Prepare to get hands on with this two-day practical course focusing on the ecology of Eurasian Beaver and survey techniques.
With the return of Beaver to watercourses across the UK, it has become increasingly important for all ecologists to learn more about this keystone species. Devon has been at the heart of this return and is home to one of the largest free-roaming populations in the country.
Focusing on practical skills and experience, we will visit multiple Beaver active sites and learn to determine presence, activity and identify key habitat features. You will also get the chance to go ‘Beaver spotting’ during an optional evening excursion.
Tutor: Matt Collis
Matt Collis is a freelance ecologist based in Devon who works 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 business ‘Devon Wildlife Tours’ and is an international wildlife guide covering largely Europe and Canada.
