Current courses
This range of short courses is led by enthusiastic experts keen to share their knowledge and help others discover the magic that comes from observing and gaining an insight into our wildlife.
All the courses are designed to give participants hands-on learning experiences, to develop new skills and to help them use those skills to make a difference for the benefit of wildlife.
All courses have limited numbers and must be booked and paid for at least 2 weeks in advance to secure your place.
Bookings
Bookings can be made ONLINE by clicking on the courses below, by phoning 01489 774 400 between 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri or by completing a booking form and returning it via email to courses@hwt.org.uk by post or in person.
Please note some events/courses may be filmed and photographed for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust's publicity and fundraising purposes.
If you have any concerns, please speak to a member of staff.
Our Current Courses
The following training courses and activities are available over the next few months. All of these courses include some time outside so please ensure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
Click on the course to book online.
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Digital Wildlife Photography, 22 June-13 July 2013
Blashford Lakes
Get the most out of your digital camera, either DSLR, Bridge or Compact. Join John Combes, experienced photographer and lecturer, to learn about the equipment and techniques used by nature photographers. Then try out your own equipment and interests in the natural world, with special emphasis on making the most of photographic opportunities on Blashford Lakes nature reserve. Please note that the Bird Photography on 13 July is not suitable for compact cameras.
Expect to be indoors in the morning and outdoors after lunch, followed by a review of your afternoon photographic experiments. Please bring a tripod or other camera support if available. Bring own lunch, tea/coffees provided. £35 per session
DSLR/Bridge/Compact Cameras
Sat 22 June 2013: Basics 1 (exposure, focal length, camera settings)
Sat 29 June 2013: Basics 2 (depth of field, white balance, noise, processing, composition)
Sat 6 July 2013: Macro/close-up photography
DSLR/Bridge Cameras
Sat 13 July 2013: Bird photography
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How to identify common grasses 4th-25th June
Swanwick Hamble and Bishops Waltham
A 4-part course for someone who has some knowledge of botany and can identify some common wild flowers and would like to progress to grasses or maybe has had limited success with grasses and would like further guidance. Your tutor, Phil Budd, will start with specimens in the classroom with keys and field guides then apply the techniques in the field, looking at common grasses of woodland and grassland, building up your skills and confidence week by week. Cost £40.
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Wildflower identification for beginners 2nd & 9th July
Whitchurch and Chilbolton
A two-part course of gentle informal sessions where experienced tutor Susan Simmonds will help you learn what to look for to start identifying our more common wildflowers. Cost £20.
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Wildflower identification for improvers July
Winchester
Experienced tutor Susan Simmonds will help you brush up your skills with hand lenses and keys to sort out the different wildflowers to be found on the site. Cost £20.
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Introduction to Invertebrates 17 July
Swanwick Nature Reserve
Join Solent Reserves Officer Bob Chapman for an inspiring course to explore the world of native invertebrates. You will use a variety of techniques to catch a wide range of insects and then to try and identify some of them. Equipment will be provided but if you have your own this may also be used.
You will start with an introduction in the Centre then go out onto the reserve and return for lunch and to do some identification. Then out again in the afternoon for a short session. Habitats covered will include ponds, woodland and grassland. Wear suitable footwear and clothing for wet conditions and bring a packed lunch. Tea and coffee will be available. Cost £30.
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Dragonflies and Damselflies, 10th August
Silchester Common
A new course in north Hampshire with experienced tutor Adrian Hickman. Learn about the fascinating natural history of these creatures and how to tell them apart. An indoor evening session is followed up with an afternoon field visit to practice and develop identification skills and see a wide variety of species. Cost £40.
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Weekend Bushcraft 17/18 Aug FULL
Roydon Woods Nature Reserve, Brockenhurst
Join Qualified NCFE Bushcraft Instructor Jamie Corry on a two day, one night introduction to Bushcraft course, deep in the heart of the New Forest.
Arriving on the Saturday mid-morning and finishing mid afternoon on the Sunday, you will learn and practice: fire lighting techniques; cordage making; how to identify edible and medicinal woodland plants; meat preparation and outdoor cooking; knife safety, sharpening and good use; and both manmade and natural shelter building techniques.
The course takes place in Roydon Woods. There is very limited parking (Map ref. SU 307 004) and there will be a pick up from Brockenhurst train station. Numbers are limited to 8 adults, minimum age18. A kit list will be given out with confirmation of booking, but tools and equipment will be provided and some will be available to purchase on the day. You are welcome to try out your shelter but sleeping in your own tent is absolutely fine. Lunch will be needed on the first day but all food and drink will be provided thereafter.
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Grasshoppers and Bush-crickets, 21 and 24 Aug
Whitchurch
A new course in Whitchurch with experienced tutor Adrian Hickman. Learn about the variety of species, how and where to look for them and how to tell them apart by sight and by their amazing songs. You start with an indoor evening session at the Community building at Testbourne Community School and follow it up with a visit to a local area in search of these fascinating animals. Cost £35.
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Heathland Ecology 23rd August
North Hampshire near Fleet
Join Wildlife Trust Grazing Project Manager Alex Cruikshank for an introduction to heathland ecology and management. You will learn to identify key features of a heathland, find out more about their ecological and historical importance and meet the grazing animals that help to manage the landscape.
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Forest School Level 3 Leaders Course, 28th Oct - 1st Nov
Bouldner Forest Centre, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust are hosting a Level 3 Forest School course at Bouldner Forest, Isle of Wight. The course is being run by Sussex Wildlife Trust so for further information or to book your place, please contact Mark Hedgecock -
