Ecology courses open the door to hands‑on exploration, giving participants the chance to develop ecological surveying skills across a variety of wild habitats.
Guided by experienced leaders, you’ll learn how to identify species with confidence, choose the right sampling techniques, collect data responsibly, and turn your findings into meaningful insights.
One day you might be measuring species richness along a rocky shore; the next, testing for pollution in a freshwater stream or uncovering hidden biodiversity in an ancient woodland. Expect to set humane mammal traps, run moth surveys, tune in to the ultrasonic world of bats, and peer down the microscope at the tiny life forms that hold ecosystems together. This course aims to build shared sense of connection to the natural world.
This course is open to those aged 16-18 years old and is suitable for the residential section of the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. Always check with your leader before booking.
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Our young people residentials deliver a wide-ranging, enriching experience and give you the chance to develop a range of transferable skills. This can be great to include in higher education and job applications.
Around core themes of nature and landscapes, active learning, and personal and social skills, our courses promote nature connection, environmental understanding and responsibility, health and wellbeing, working well with others, resilience and curiosity.
If you are a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award participant, this course is also an ideal way to complete the Residential section of the award
See our Residential FAQs page if you’d like to know the answers to our most frequently asked questions.
If these course dates do not suit you, we run similar courses at many of our other centres.
Approved Activity Provider
As an Approved Activity Provider for DofE, our opportunities meet all the requirements for DofE. We do however always recommend checking suitability with your DofE assessor before booking a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential.
Explore our range of opportunities for young people. Whether you’re looking to complete your gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, or want to expand your knowledge, our experiences offer something for everyone.
Example Timetable
Day 1
Introduction to course and local area
Morning/afternoon - Arrival 12:00pm. Participants will receive an introduction to the centre, followed by icebreakers and team games. There will also be an opportunity to explore the area and familiarise yourself with the local environment.
Evening - Introduction to Immersive Ecology.
Day 2
Freshwater ecology and micro habitats
Morning/afternoon -Freshwater ecosystem exploration of a local environment. Take a look at the invertebrates living in these habitats, understand different feeding patterns and adaptations that make life in these harsh environments possible. Assess water pollution to our living species.
Evening - You'll be looking at the nocturnal wildlife of the centre. Explore the local bat roosts and learn how to set up a moth trap.
Day 3
Marine habitats
Morning/afternoon: Explore a rocky shore environment and see how coastal habitats support marine life through rock pooling. Looking at adaptations of crustaceans, fish, echinoderms and algae, including species identification and ecological skill development.
Evening - Games night! Work together with your team to become the winners. A great opportunity to get to know your course mates.
Day 4
Succession
Morning/afternoon - Investigation into the effect of haloseral or Psammosere succession on the distribution and abundance of vegetation. Looking at natures ability to recover through these fundamental concepts of ecology.
Evening - Gather around a campfire, toast a marshmallow, sharing stories and experiences.
Day 5
Environmental adventure and citizen science
Morning/afternoon - Support the local area by getting involved in a local conservation or citizen science project - beach cleans, water testing or species surveys. Followed by a chance to step outside your comfort zone with a team adventure challenge linking outdoor activities and ecology.
Depart 3pm
Please note: to ensure safe and quality learning experiences for participants, the timetable may alter depending on weather conditions and local factors at centres.
What's Included
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Expert Tuition -
Free Wi-Fi -
Full Board Accommodation -
Hot and Cold Drinks -
In Course Transport -
Picnic Lunch
Before You Attend
This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.
We want to ensure participants get to share in their experience with those of a similar age. Please consider what age the attendee will be on the course date and check they fit into the age category when booking. (Please see each individual course at the bottom of this page for age ranges).
When attending the residential dates which welcome 16-18 year olds, all participants will be expected to follow the behaviour and conduct rules which will be in place to safeguard young people.
If the attendee is under 18, the booking must be made by a parent/guardian. When you book, it is essential that you enter the age and attendees name in the Order Notes at the checkout.
Prior to the course, you will receive the following:
- A full kit list. Any technical equipment required will be provided so you will just need typical kit for a residential stay and being outdoors.
- An introduction to the staff delivering the course and information about the centre so you know what to expect on arrival.
- A detailed itinerary for the course, including arrival and departure instructions. On some courses there may be the opportunity to book a train station pick up and/or drop off.
- A link to an online photo consent form.
- The expectations of young people attending our courses.
- A form to share any specific dietary or medical needs.
Opportunities to attend this course
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Mon 10, August 2026 12:00 - Fri 14, August 2026 15:00
Explore Margam’s 850 acres of woodlands, freshwater streams, marshes and grasslands through hands-on ecological investigations. Work with expert tutors to survey wildlife, analyse habitats and develop real fieldwork skills. Venture to Crymlyn Burrows SSSI and the Gower peninsula to study unique coastal ecosystems and see how local communities are making positive changes for the natural environment. This residential is open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.
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Mon 24, August 2026 12:30 - Fri 28, August 2026 15:00
Join us at Juniper Hall on the stunning National Trust-owned Box Hill Estate, home to rare chalk grasslands, diverse woodlands and freshwater habitats, all Sites of Special Scientific Interest. You’ll study these ecosystems in depth, learn their ecology, and complete hands‑on fieldwork investigations. Take part in humane small‑mammal trapping, try your hand at moth trapping, and hear expert talks from the Surrey Bat Group and Surrey Bird Club. The week also features “Conserving Insects in a Changing World” by Professor Ed Turner of Cambridge University, exploring the threats insects face and how we can protect them. This residential is open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.
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Mon 26, October 2026 12:30 - Fri 30, October 2026 15:00
Join us on the stunning National Trust owned Box Hill Estate, home to rare chalk grasslands, diverse woodlands and freshwater habitats, all Sites of Special Scientific Interest. You’ll study these ecosystems in depth, learn their ecology, and complete hands‑on fieldwork investigations. Hear expert talks from the Surrey Bat Group and Surrey Bird Club and “Conserving Insects in a Changing World” by Professor Ed Turner of Cambridge University, exploring the threats insects face and how we can protect them. This residential is open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.
