This beginner course will introduce you to the ancient art of wildlife tracking. Tracking involves a range of skills. This course will teach you to follow clues, work out what the animal was doing and when, and maybe even find the animal itself.
Tracking is a great way for nature enthusiasts and early conservationists to hone their ability to observe details around them and to build their knowledge of wildlife, specifically their movement and feeding ecology.
What will be covered during this course?
- Introduction to mammal and bird foot morphology, how that relates to the tracks we find in the field and helps us identify the trackmaker.
- Introduction to commonly found wildlife signs, how to identify these and what they tell us about the animals that left them.
- An overview of some of the key techniques for identifying and interpreting tracks and signs including master listing.
Images by David Wege
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This beginner course is a great place to start for those looking to improve their ability to identify a range of wildlife tracks and signs. You will learn skills to confidently identify a variety of mammal and bird activity including the physical appearance and ID features of tracks, feeding signs, homes, and droppings. We will explore the outdoors to find and discuss examples of tracks and signs, leaving you with a solid introduction to the world of tracking. Be inspired and engaged by the expertise of our specialist tutor and enjoy being surrounded by like-minded individuals who share your interests.
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Describe the basic types of tracks and signs and identify key features
- Identify examples of specific animals from their tracks and signs
- Recognise a variety of tracks and signs in their natural environments and what they mean
- Share this knowledge with friends, family, and fellow volunteers.
PLEASE NOTE the course fee is for tuition only. There is no accommodation provided with this course.
Who Should Attend? – Nature enthusiasts, Students, Early career ecologists, Citizen scientists, Volunteer surveyors
Knowledge Level – Beginner. Level descriptors can be found on the following web-page: Framework and Course Level Descriptors
Prior Knowledge – No prior knowledge is required, though those with previous experience would still benefit as the tutor is open to answering a range of questions at different levels.
Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.
About the Tutor
This course is delivered by more than one expert tutor. Your tutor will depend on the location of the course you book.
David Wege
David helps teach nature tracking with Woodcraft School Ltd in Sussex. He has done this for the last 7 years, alongside a 30-year career in international biodiversity conservation with BirdLife International. David has now left the office behind to focus on reviving the art of tracking – an art that has long been lost in the UK, but which provides endless opportunities to connect with nature, survey and monitor wildlife and increase our understanding, appreciation and knowledge of the animals around us. David is a life-long, passionate birdwatcher, wildlife photographer and all-round naturalist.
Dan Puplett
Dan Puplett is a naturalist, conservationist and environmental educator. He is a certified tracker and teaches a range of naturalist skills to people of all ages. Dan is also the author of the FSC Guide to British Bird Tracks and Sign and the new FSC Guide to Mammal Tracks and Signs.
Sam Devine-Turner
Sam, of Scruff Stuff, is passionate about offering opportunities for people to connect with nature. She encourages and enables people to notice and interpret the clues left behind by wildlife that are all around us, waiting to be discovered.
Example Timetable
This timetable is subject to change but should give a clear outline of what to expect
Please arrive in time for the course to start promptly at 10:00am
The course will end at 5:00pm
10:00am
Introductions
10:30am
Classroom session covering:
Tracking
Types of tracks – main mammal groups
Track identification
11:30am
Break and prepare for field session – refreshments not provided
11:45am
Guided walk
1:00pm
Lunch – Not included
2:00pm
Classroom session covering:
Different types of signs: Homes, Scats and Feeding
What is master listing and how to use
3:00pm
Break and prepare for field session – refreshments not provided
3:15pm
Guided walk to apply classroom knowledge
4:30pm
Classroom plenary and final questions
5:00pm
Finish
Please note accommodation and an evening meal 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 continue to build and develop your knowledge and apply it within the field surrounded by like-minded individuals.
The course includes:
- Classroom learning covering the theory of the species
- 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.
Reviews
- ★★★★☆
I loved being in such a knowledgeable and keen group from a wide range of backgrounds.
- ★★★★☆
It was hands on, along with useful classroom back up
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.
Before You Attend
What to Bring:
- Notebook and pencil
- Camera to capture images
- Packed lunch and all refreshments for the day
- Sensible footwear and clothing for being outdoors
Recommended Publications:
You may wish to purchase the following Field Studies Council publications available in our shop to enhance your experience:
- Guide to British Bird Tracks & Signs
- Tracks & Signs of Mammals of Britain & Ireland
- Guide to the Land Mammals of Britain
- Guide to Owls and Owl Pellets
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
Sat 03, June 2023 10:00 - 17:00
If you require accommodation and meals packages, please contact Glenmore Lodge directly – https://www.glenmorelodge.org.uk/contact/
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Sat 03, June 2023 10:00 - 17:00
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Sun 24, September 2023 10:00 - 17:00
If you would like to book accommodation, lunch and an evening meal at the Preston Montford Field Centre, please email: [email protected].
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 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.