This Ecology and Conservation course is a series of five immersive days across London parks, aimed at young people aged 18 – 24 years old who are interested in nature and wildlife conservation.
Our diverse and educational schedule includes a range of activities, focusing on the theme of nature and conservation in four of London’s well-known parks. Through our partnerships with The Royal Parks and Lewisham Council, participants will spend time in Greenwich Park, Regent’s Park, Bushy Park and Beckenham Place Park. Discover the natural world within these urban green spaces and learn from some of the people that work there.
With our expert tutors, sessions will include learning about the local wildlife by identifying flora and fauna on a nature walk, taking part in practical conservation and participating in wildlife surveys.
Spend five days immersing yourself in the nature of the world’s first National Park City whilst making new friends, working with professionals and learning new skills.
It is ideal for any young people looking to get first-hand experience in conservation who are local to London or other cities and urban spaces.
Please note This course does not include accommodation. It is a series of non-residential days in London. This course is not eligible for Duke of Edinburgh Award.
About the tutor
Tuition is delivered by Field Studies Council Tutors and Partners, with an expert knowledge of the subject and fieldwork locations, and a passion for the subject being taught. The education team are DBS checked, and undergo regular training including in first aid, water safety and risk assessments.
Example Timetable
This course runs 10am - 4pm each day. There will be appropriate breaks and time for lunch. Please note, while we aim to stick to the outlined plan, occasionally we do have to adjust the sessions or activities we participate in due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather or staff availability.
Day 1 - The Regent's Park
- Welcome and safety briefing.
- Introductions to the group including icebreaker and personal aims and objectives for the week.
- Welcome to The Regents Park from The Royal Parks, Help Nature Thrive.
- Look at the moth traps from the previous evening and identify the species that have been captured. This forms part of the Parks regular monitoring programme.
- Conduct a bee transect as part of the Parks ongoing project with the Bumblebee Conservation trust, and/or looking at the horticultural plants in the park and identifying and counting the moth and butterfly species that utilise these plants.
- Map tall ruderal at the site using GPS. This will form part of the Parks research project, investigating plant and moth populations at the park. Then, we will participate in a vegetation monitoring survey of the RP’s swales, investigating the wetland plants and soil composition of the park and how this impacts diversity.
- Discussion on careers in education and engagement projects and opportunities, challenges and impact of working on funded community engagement projects.
- Reflection on the day and plans for tomorrow.
Day 2 - Greenwich Park
- Welcome, introductions and safety briefing.
- An Introduction to the Wildflowers and Habitat of Greenwich Park with Mark Spencer.
- Explore the plant life and landscape of Greenwich Park.
- Introduction to the basics of examining (including the use of hand lenses) and appreciating the wild and garden plants growing in the park.
- Discussion on the basics of wildlife recording and the importance of contributions to the knowledge of London’s natural history heritage and conservation.
- Introduction to careers as an ecologist, the day-to-day work and the career pathway.
- Freshwater ecology workshop.
- Understanding some of the ways we monitor freshwater health in the UK and the indicators for water quality.
- Freshwater invertebrate study through pond dipping. Once we have captured and identified some of the species present, we will look at what these species tell us about the health of ponds.
- Reflection on the day and plans for tomorrow.
Day 4 - Beckenham Place Park
- Welcome, introductions and safety briefing.
- Practical Conservation with Park Ranger James.
- An introduction to Beckenham Place Park and discussion on managing a public park for leisure and conservation.
- Conservation activity will depend on the day. - Introduction to careers as a ranger, the day-to-day work and the career pathway.
- Reflection on the day and plans for tomorrow.
Day 4 - Bushy Park
- Welcome, introductions and safety briefing.
- Biological Recording and Invertebrate Ecology (with microscopes) with Keiron Brown.
- An introduction to Biological recording.
- Workshop, using microscopes for identification.
- Discussion on how to get involved in citizen science projects.
- Reflection on the day and plans for tomorrow.
Day 5 - Royal Entomological Insect Garden at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
- Welcome, Introductions and safety briefing
- Insect Science (content tbc)
- Reflect on the week, provide feedback and discuss ongoing support available.
What's Included
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Expert Tuition
Before You Attend
What to bring
See our kit list here Please adjust this based on the weather conditions. Ensure you bring lunch and plenty to drink.
Clothing and footwear Appropriate outdoor clothing (and waterproofs) should be worn, taking into account the weather forecast. The group will be outside most of the day even in wet weather. It is advised long trousers are worn, even on sunny days due to the presence of ticks. We advise wearing sensible footwear – trainers or walking boots that can get muddy.
Transport
There is no requirement for transport during the day. All activities take place on site or within walking distance. Please plan your journeys in advance and inform the group leader of any delays.
Additional Support
If you have any support needs or face barriers to participating in the outlined activities, please do let us know. Where possible we will try to accommodate requests for support.
Customer Information
Details of how to book, terms and conditions, policies and procedures, including risk assessments can be found on the Customer Information section of our website.
Opportunities to attend this course
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Mon 03, August 2026 10:00 - Fri 07, August 2026 16:00
This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 18-25 years old at the time of attending.