Biodiversity is essential for healthy ecosystems, human well-being, and the stability of our planet. However, the world is facing a biodiversity crisis, driven by habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and other human activities, leading to widespread species decline.

This self-led course provides an in-depth understanding of biodiversity, its importance, and the urgent threats it faces. You will explore key conservation policies and global biodiversity goals, while looking at examples of conservation practices and community-led efforts intended to protect and restore nature. By the end of the course, you will be equipped with the knowledge to engage with biodiversity conservation and contribute to a more sustainable future.

What will be covered during this course?

This is a 1.5 hour self-led, online course covering three topics. Each topic will contain a number of self-led resources to work through at your own pace. The topics covered include:

  • Introduction to biodiversity and its importance
  • The biodiversity crisis
  • Future steps and innovations

Read More

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

  • Define biodiversity and explain its importance in maintaining healthy ecosystems and human well-being.
  • Describe the biodiversity crisis, including its causes, consequences, and the key threats facing global and local biodiversity.
  • Understand key policies and legislation aimed at protecting biodiversity, including international agreements and national conservation laws.
  • Explore next steps and innovations in biodiversity conservation, including sustainable practices, and community-led initiatives.

Who Should Attend? – Anyone who would like to increase their knowledge of biodiversity. e.g., employees in nature/ground based roles, land developers, educators, nature enthusiasts, students and volunteers.

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

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

Please note – bookings will close 2 working days before the course start date to allow for all participants to be enrolled to the online platform – bookings will not be taken after this time. Bookings will close sooner if course capacity is reached

Understand how our online courses are delivered

To note, there are no live webinars associated with this course.

Example Timetable

All self-study material is made available from the start date for course participants to work through in their own time.

Time commitment: This course will require approximately 1.5 hours of your time.

What's Included

The course includes:

The course has been carefully created to help you continue to build and develop your knowledge as the course progresses, with content crafted for the online Moodle Platform and bespoke to the Field Studies Council.

  • Approximately 1.5 hours of self-led learning material.
  • A course completion certificate.

Once the course commences, you will gain access to self-study ’workbooks’ to begin your learning journey. Quizzes and skill checks will give you instant feedback on your learning.

This course fee includes VAT

Recommended Devices

It is recommended that you access your course through a PC or laptop. Please be aware that there will be reduced functionality if you decide to access the course through a tablet or smartphone. The Field Studies Council is unable to email content directly to you.

Click here for the Moodle log-in page.

 

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

Accessing Your Course

Once you sign up, you’ll receive an email at least 24 hours in advance of the course opening with details of how to access our easy-to-use platform, Moodle.

Moodle can be accessed through a browser or an app.

Click here for the Moodle log-in page.

Opportunities to attend this course

  • Wed 28, May 2025 10:00 - Wed 25, June 2025 11:30

    Location
    Virtual
    Price
    £25.00
    Tutor
    Self Led - No Tutor

No current dates for this course? Click here to view all the upcoming Natural History courses.
Sign up for the Biodiversity Newsletter to be the first to hear about new course dates and to get early bird discounts!

Progress Your Learning

This is a training course from the Field Studies Council, delivered in a self-led e-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 online courses please check 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.