Getting To Know Badgers

Badgers are intriguing, they fascinate so many people and they are an iconic British species. We can see signs of badgers all around us, not just in the countryside, but in urban areas too. They are the largest wild carnivore in the UK, but with their nocturnal habits they are remarkably difficult to spot.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

•  Understand badgers and their place in the ecosystem.
• Identify badger field signs.
• Recognise badger setts and assess their activity level.

Who Should Attend? – Nature enthusiasts, students, rangers, early career consultants and ecologists.

Knowledge Level – Beginner. Level descriptors can be found on the following web-page: Framework and Course Level Descriptors.

Prior Knowledge – No existing knowledge or experience is needed for this course, just a willingness to explore and learn.

PLEASE NOTE: There is no accommodation or meal facilities provided with this course. Refreshments (tea and coffee) will be available. If we are unable to reach viable numbers for this course, we will inform you of the course cancellation 4-5 weeks prior to the course run. We would recommend when purchasing accommodation and/or travel you should take out your own insurance.

Bookings will close if course capacity is reached. 

Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.

Morag Boyd

Morag Boyd is a countryside professional with 30 years experience working in a range of countryside and conservation professions. In a varied career, she has worked in a variety of roles including countryside ranger in various locations, lecturer in countryside management for Elmwood College in Fife, conservation shepherd for the Scottish Wildlife Trust and now she combines a contract with Scottish Badgers, recruiting and training volunteers for the national Get Sett Scottish Badger Survey with freelance work training teachers to take learning outdoors for Learning Through Landscapes.  She also runs her own outdoor nature education business, working with schools and community groups to get children outdoors and learning about nature.

Morag has a broad knowledge of many different aspects of ecology and conservation, with particular interests in badgers, of course, trees and woodland management and botany.

Timings for this course may vary, so please check the start and end times for the course runs below. Please arrive in time for the course to start promptly.
This course will involve both classroom learning and field excursions to cover all of the learning objectives.
Lunch is not included so please bring your own food. Refreshments (tea and coffee) will be provided.

Rough Timetable:

• Two hour classroom session with coffee break in the morning
• Lunch break
• 3 hour field session in the afternoon – walking to badger setts around the estate

• 
  Expert Tuition

The course has been carefully created by expert tutors and educators to help you build your knowledge and apply it within the field surrounded by like-minded individuals.

The course includes:

• Classroom learning covering the theory of the topic
• Field excursions to apply new knowledge
• Expert tuition for which the Field Studies Council is renowned
• Clear objectives and progression
• Refreshments (tea/coffee)

You can rest assured that the absolute best content from an expert in environmental education will be provided. In choosing a Field Studies Council course, you will be joining thousands of people who learn with us each year.

Student Discount

This course is eligible for a student discount. If you are a current student, please use discount code BioStudent20 at checkout for 20% off all Biodiversity courses.

Natural History Bursaries

There are a number of natural history bursaries available to help with the cost of your course. To find out if you and your chosen course are eligible, read more here.

What to Bring

• Notebook and pencil
• Lunch and refreshments
• Sensible footwear and clothing for being outdoors
• Small bag to carry personal items
• Walking poles if you have them– useful as a tool for investigating setts as well as to assist with walking
• A torch if you have one.

Recommended Literature

When you book this course, you will receive a discount code for the Field Studies Council recommended guides below.

• Mammal tracks and signs guide
• Land Mammal guide 

There will be a member of staff with first aid training and access to a first aid kit on site. If you have special medical or access requirements, please let us know as soon as possible so we can plan the course.