This 2.5 day intermediate Amphibians and Reptiles course will provide you with the surveying and identification skills you need for monitoring and conservation projects.
The course explores the rich diversity, ecology, and conservation of the UK’s amphibians and reptiles (herptiles). The UK is home to 13 native species, and these animals are indispensable to ecological balance, performing vital functions that sustain the health of our ecosystems.
This course will include:
- Herptile taxonomy and systematics.
- Herptile biology and ecology
- Identification skills and survey techniques
- Habitat assessment and management, conservation and legislation
Read More
This course explores the rich diversity, ecology, and conservation of the UK’s amphibians and reptiles (herptiles). Home to 13 native species, these animals are indispensable to the ecological balance, performing vital functions that sustain the health of our ecosystems.
Despite their ecological significance, herptiles are confronted by severe challenges, with more than 40% of amphibians classified as threatened and reptile populations similarly in decline. This trend underscores the urgency for informed conservation efforts. The course aims to provide participants with an in-depth understanding and the practical skills necessary for the effective identification, conservation, and surveying of these crucial species.
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Synthesise legislation and ethical considerations in herptile surveying, monitoring and conservation.
- Analyse species-specific key diagnostic features, and demonstrate an understanding of species’ habitats, ranges, and life cycles necessary for herptile conservation.
- Design and propose conservation strategies for herptiles.
Who Should Attend? – Nature enthusiasts, students, rangers, early career consultants and ecologists. This intermediate level course is open to anyone with some existing knowledge of the subject. This course is for those aged 18 and over only.
(You do not need to be a Harper Adams University student to attend this course).
Knowledge Level – Intermediate. Level descriptors can be found on the following web-page: Framework and Course Level Descriptors .
Accommodation and meals
There are three booking options which all include course tuition, evening meals and refreshments:
- Non-Resident (breakfast and lunch not included)
- Resident (Sole Occupancy)
- Resident (Shared room- please email [email protected] to inquire about this option)
If you choose a resident booking, this includes accommodation on Friday night and Saturday night, and meals throughout the course: an evening meal on the Friday and Saturday, and breakfast and packed lunch on Saturday and Sunday.
If you choose a non-resident booking, this includes an evening meal on the Friday and Saturday before the evening session. Please bring your own packed lunch on Saturday and Sunday.
Please note that bathrooms may be shared for accommodation bookings.
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.
About the Tutor
John Wilkinson
John is a conservation ecologist who has been working with amphibians and reptiles for over 25 years. He manages Regional, Science and Training Programmes for the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust (ARC) and has a particular fascination for toads!
Harper Adams University Student Information
Interested in becoming a HAU student?
You can find out more about the Biological Recording and Analysis programme here.
Existing HAU Biological Recording and Analysis Students
This 2.5 day course is one of your optional modules. You will be asked to choose your modules through HAU, and then you will book your accommodation and meal options through the Field Studies Council via an online form we will share with HAU.
If are a student and need more information about this course or the booking process, please email [email protected].
The summative assessment for this module will be set by HAU and will be completed and marked after the course.
Example Timetable
Example Timetable
Please note that this course is currently being developed for 2025 as part of the Harper Adams University ‘Biological Recording and Analysis’ course, so there may be small changes to the example timetable outlined below. Once a detailed schedule has been produced, this will be shared with participants.
Friday
- 1pm - Course begins. Mixture of classroom and field site visits
- 6pm - Dinner
- 7pm - Evening session to cement learning.
Saturday
- 10am - 5pm Mixture of classroom and field site visits, with a break for lunch.
- 6pm - Dinner
- 7pm - Evening session to cement learning.
Sunday
- 10am - 5pm Mixture of classroom and field site visits, with a break for lunch.
Lunch will likely be in the field, so please make sure you make yourself a packed lunch at the centre if you choose a residential booking, or bring a packed lunch with you if you choose a non-residential booking.
What's Included
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Expert Tuition -
Free Wi-Fi -
In Course Transport
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)
If you choose a resident booking, this includes accommodation on Friday night and Saturday night, and meals throughout the course: an evening meal on the Friday and Saturday, and breakfast and packed lunch on Saturday and Sunday.
If you choose a non-resident booking, this includes an evening meal on the Friday and Saturday before the evening session. Please bring your own packed lunch on Saturday and Sunday.
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.
Bursaries and Subsidies
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.
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.
Before You Attend
What to Bring
- Walking boots or wellies
- Waterproofs
- A good torch and batteries
- Camera and binoculars if you have them
- Any field guide book you may have
- Notebook and pencils
- USB memory stick (to take away additional handouts)
- Small bag to carry personal items
- A vacuum flask/drink bottle and a bag or a box for carrying a packed lunch.
Recommended Literature
Please note that the recommended or mandatory literature has not yet been set for this course. We will update this web page and email anyone already booked if there are any changes.
- Field Studies Council Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians
- British reptiles and amphibians, by Howard Inns
- Gent, A. and Gibson, S. (1998, 2003 reprint) Herpetofauna Worker’s Manual. JNCC: Peterborough, UK
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.
Opportunities to attend this course
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Fri 25, April 2025 13:00 - Sun 27, April 2025 17:00
No current dates for this course? Click here to view all the upcoming Natural History courses.
Progress Your Learning
This is a training course from the Field Studies Council, delivered by expert tutors with an approachable learning style. After attending this course, you may like to progress your learning with further relevant courses or branch out into other areas of natural history. The Field Studies Council offers both online and in-person courses, so you can choose the learning style that suits you best.
The course gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new subject and acquire novel skills. Our online portal gives you time to study at your own pace and fit the lessons around your own schedule.
If you have any questions about our courses, please check out our Frequently Asked Questions or email [email protected].
Group Bookings Made Easy
If you have a group of 10 or more individuals wanting to complete one of our courses, our team are available to discuss your options – from discounts to private team courses. Find out more!
You can rest assured that the absolute best content from an expert in environmental education will be at your fingertips. In choosing a Field Studies Council course, you will be joining thousands of people who learn with us each year.