The ecology of the UK is an ever-changing patchwork of landscapes everyone should learn to read. There's no better place to learn all about it but Grow Wilder, our inspiring six-acre wildlife gardening site. Here, we will expand your knowledge of the governing principles of nature and what drives the ecology of the land around us. Centred around learning basic habitat and wildlife identification skills, this course aims to help you read the landscape around you, just as an ecologist would, and leave you better informed about how ecology relates to conservation decision making.   

Learning outcomes:

• Discover how to identify UK habitats and important landscape features
• Learn how to use simple species identification skills to understand the basic ecology of any landscape
• Visit our neighbouring wildlife-rich sites to put your new skills into action
• Discuss how an understanding of local ecology and species, both informs and influences conservation land management decisions 

About your tutor, Matt Collis:

Matt is a professional ecologist and uses these skills as a teacher, consultant & wildlife tour leader based in Devon. Passionate about sharing his love for nature and connecting others, Matt is a tutor for the British Trust for Ornithology and Avon Wildlife Trust. Covering a broad range of taxa, he has both a wide and specialist knowledge of all things British wildlife and beyond. When he's not teaching, he continues to connect people to nature through Devon Wildlife Tours, his bespoke wildlife tour company.

Previous course feedback:

"It was very interesting. I will certainly encourage others to go"

" I do feel much better informed to understand the wider issues of conservation, not just about spotting species. Many thanks, Matt, for an excellent day!"

"I have learnt so much and had a great time doing it! I especially enjoyed learning about the different types of habitat we have here in the UK and the part when Matt led us on a walk through Stoke Park to practice our ecology skills. I have used the knowledge he taught us, in my career, with friends and even when watching TV "

Covid-19

Measures in accordance with current government guidelines will be in place, please do not attend if you are unwell and please bring a mask. We reserve the right to adapt or change activities in order to meet current government guidelines around Covid-19.