Otters and Water Voles: Ecology, Surveying and Conservation 

Otters nearly vanished from our waterways in the second half of the 20th century and water voles are facing similar challenges today. This course will cover the ecology and conservation of both species and explain what to look for and how to conduct surveys.

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

• Understand and engage with presentations on Otter and Water Vole ecology.
• Understand current legislation and conservation methods currently in place to protect and conserve otters and water voles.
• Learn to differentiate between otter spraint & tracks/water vole signs and field signs of other mammals that are likely to be found in similar locations.

Who Should Attend? – Nature enthusiasts, students, rangers, early career consultants and ecologists.

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: 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. Please see the ‘What’s Included’ section for information on accommodation and meals options.

Bookings will close if course capacity is reached. 

Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.

This course is delivered by more than one expert tutor. Your tutor will depend on the location of the course you book

Vivien Kent

Vivien Kent is a Wildlife Biologist with over 20 years’ experience of researching and working with carnivores in southern Africa and the UK. For the past 10 years she has been focussing on otters in the UK – one of our most charismatic species. She is a member of the IUCN SSC Otter Specialist Group and co-founded The Otter Network in north-east England.

Matt Collis

Matt Collis is a freelance ecologist based in Devon and 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 buisness ‘Devon Wildlife Tours’ and is an international wildlife guide covering largely Europe and Canada.

Timings for this course may vary, so please check the start and end times of the different course runs at the bottom of the page. Please arrive in time for the course to start promptly.

This course will involve both classroom learning and field excursions to cover all of the learning objectives.

Lunch is not included if you do not choose an accommodation option, so please bring your own food. Refreshments (tea and coffee) will be provided for all.

For the course at Slapton, if you choose an accommodation option then a packed lunch is included on the Wednesday, but please bring your own food for lunch on Tuesday.

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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:

• 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
• Refreshments (tea/coffee)

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.

Accommodation and meal options

We would recommend when purchasing accommodation and/or travel you should take out your own insurance.

For some course runs at Field Studies Council Centres, there may be the option to book accommodation with your course. If accommodation is available, there will be two booking options:

• Non-Resident
• Resident (Sole Occupancy)

If you choose a Non-Resident booking, this only includes course tuition and refreshments (tea and coffee). Please bring your own packed lunch.

If you choose a Resident (Sole Occupancy) booking, this includes accommodation with your own bedroom for one night on the Tuesday and meals throughout the course (starting with an evening meal on the Tuesday through to a packed lunch on the Wednesday). You will be able to check into your room at the end of the course on the Tuesday. Please bring a packed lunch for the Tuesday, as this is not included.

If your booking has more than one person and you would like a shared room, please email [email protected] to enquire.

Please be aware that you are visiting a Field Centre that caters in the main for school parties; the accommodation is basic and dormitory style, but warm and comfortable. Please also note that bathrooms may be shared. 

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.

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
• Lunch and refreshments
• Sensible footwear and clothing for being outdoors
• Small bag to carry personal items

If you have them:

• Binoculars would be useful
• Surgical gloves for handling spraint and scat

Recommended Literature

• Mammals Tracks and Signs Wild ID Guide