Prepare to get hands-on with this two-day practical course focusing on the ecology of the Eurasian Beaver and survey techniques.
With the return of beaver to watercourses across the UK, it has become increasingly important for all ecologists to learn more about this keystone species. Devon has been at the heart of this return and is home to one of the largest free-roaming populations in the country. Focusing on practical skills and experience, we will visit multiple beaver active sites and learn to determine presence and activity, and identify key habitat features. You will also get the chance to go ‘beaver spotting’ during an optional evening excursion.
This course will include:
- Classroom-based session introducing basic beaver ecology and survey methodology.
- Multiple field visits to active beaver sites to find field signs, see key habitat features and practice survey methods.
- Session on basic botany, required for habitat mapping and suitability assessments.
- Optional evening excursion to watch free-living beavers within a known territory.
- Overview of relevant legislation and policy changes.
Read More
The focus of this course is practical skills and experience. As such, a large proportion of this course will be out in the field and learning by doing under the expert guidance of a local ecologist who has tracked beavers for many years.
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Identify potentially suitable habitat for beavers and map key features.
- Spot indicative field signs and interpret them relating to current or historical activity.
- Understand basic legislation and policy history, which is very active and changeable.
- Say you’ve seen a beaver (we hope!)
Who Should Attend? – Nature enthusiasts, students, rangers, early career consultants and ecologists. Anyone with an interest but particularly useful for active ecologists who may be required to survey waterways.
Knowledge Level – Beginner to Intermediate. 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.
About the Tutor
Matt Collis
Matt Collis is a freelance ecologist based in Devon, working mainly across the southwest. As a generalist ecologist, he has a good practical knowledge of most taxa including a range of botanical, ornithological and mammalian survey skills. He has been teaching ecology skills for over a decade, running courses for the Field Studies Council, BTO and Wildlife Trust. He also runs his own wildlife tourism business ‘Devon Wildlife Tours’ and is an international wildlife guide covering largely Europe and Canada.
Example Timetable
The course will involve field site visits on both days.
Day One
Please arrive in time for the course to start promptly at 10:00 am.
There will be a one-hour lunch break during the day. Lunch is not included so please bring your own food or feel free to buy from the on-site café. Refreshments (tea and coffee) will be provided.
The course will finish at 16:30 pm.
Optional evening beaver excursion will begin at 6 pm and finish around 9 pm (no evening meal included).
Day Two
Please arrive in time for the course to start promptly at 10 am.
The course will finish at 1 pm. Lunch is not included.
What's Included
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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:
- Field excursions to apply new knowledge
- Expert tuition for which the Field Studies Council is renowned
- Clear objectives and progression
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
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.
Before You Attend
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.
What to Bring
- Notebook and pencil.
- Sensible footwear (walking boots) and clothing for being outdoors (waterproofs and appropriate cold/warm weather clothes).
- Small bag to carry personal items.
- Packed lunch and snacks for the evening session if needed.
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Wellies (and/or chest waders if keen)
- Warm clothes for evening walk
Useful Field Studies Council Publications
Opportunities to attend this course
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Tue 29, July 2025 10:00 - Wed 30, July 2025 13:00
Further information and directions for Killerton House (National Trust) can be found here. Please note: you will require your own transport for the field visits on the course. There is an optional evening session at a field site at Otterton.
No current dates for this course? Click here to view all the upcoming Natural History courses.
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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.
