Wildwood Spring Courses 2017

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Training, workshops & events: Feb - Jun 2017

To book any of our workshops or events, please contact us on 01227 711 471 or email courses@wildwoodtrust.org

Living Willow Structures Saturday 4th February Tutor: Hazel Ryan Venue: Tunstall Primary School, Sittingbourne Learn how to create living garden features, such as arbours, tunnels and fedges. Techniques learnt on this course can be adapted for other types of structure designs. Includes information on site preparation and aftercare and you can also take home some cuttings. 9.45am - 4.15pm  £45 per person

Kent Mammal Identification Saturday 11th February Tutor: Suzanne Kynaston Learn how to identify our larger mammals from their tracks, signs and sightings. Includes a tour of the park to see some of the animals in the flesh and a close up examination of skins, skulls and antlers. Please note that this course does not include mice, voles or shrews, which are covered in the Small Mammal Survey Skills course. 9.45am - 4.15pm  £30 per person

An Introduction to Willow Crafts Saturday 11th March Tutor: Hazel Ryan Make small willow structures, such as colourful trays and wigwam plant supports using locally grown willow. Learn how to grow your own willow and how to prepare and store your willow rods. All materials included. Take home a few cuttings to plant in your garden. 10.00am - 4.00pm £40 per person

Introduction to Amphibian Ecology and Surveying Sunday 12th March Tutor: Mandy Apps This introduction to native British amphibians will cover the identification of Kent's frogs, toads and newts as well as their basic ecology. We will look at what makes a good amphibian pond as well as the different techniques that can be used to survey for amphibians. The day will finish with a torchlight survey of a nearby amphibian population. Min age 13 (under 18s to be accompanied by a paying adult). 2.00pm - 8.00pm £30 per person * * In partnership with Kent Reptile and Amphibian Group (KRAG). KRAG will refund course fees to those who volunteer as part of the Great Crested Newt Monitoring Project when records are contributed.

British Seahorses and How to Survey for Them Saturday 25th March Tutor: Neil Garrick-Maidment This one day course is an introduction into surveying for U.K. seahorses. The day will present the biology & ecology of British Seahorses, the methods to survey for them and the data to collect. Aimed at those with an interest in seahorses and the marine environment. 9.30am - 5.00pm £30 per person

Spring Foraging in Egerton Saturday 15th April Tutor: Steve Kirk Meet at Egerton Village Hall In the days before supermarkets and worldwide imports, wild food foraged from the local countryside traditionally formed a large part of our diet. This one day course is an introduction on how to forage safely. Discover easily recognisable plants that are good to eat and how to prepare and cook them. We will forage in a variety of local sites, where you will learn to identify some common edible species before returning to cook and sample our fare. We will also learn about foraging safety and the law. 10.00am - 4.00pm £40 per person

Seashell Identification Saturday 22nd April Tutor: Anne Riddell Learn how to identify seashells and find out about the ecology of the marine molluscs that used to occupy them. Plus a visit to a local beach to start your own reference collection. 10.30am - 4.00pm  £30 per person

Introduction to Beekeeping Saturday 22nd April onwards Tutor: John Holmes This 8 week course is designed for complete beginners who are looking for a "Hands-on" course that will give you the knowledge and confidence to manage your first colony of honey bees. Follow Wildwood's very own beekeeper and learn the skills of this ancient art. Please note that this course is weather dependent and takes place outside. Changes to course dates may need to be made to the timetable if weather conditions are unsuitable. Not suitable for people with medical conditions such as a heart condition, asthma or being allergic to bee stings. Dates: 22/4; 29/4; 6/5; 13/5; 20/5; 27/5; 3/6; 10/6 11.00am - 4.00pm £120 per person

Permaculture and Forest Gardening Course Sunday 23rd April Tutor: Jo Barker Learn about the inspiring concept of Permaculture (Permanent human culture) and applying it to create Forest Gardens. Connect to the environment through nature awareness, foraging and observing natural ecological design principles. See how we can apply these principles to transform human problems into exciting ecological solutions. 10.00am - 4.00pm £40 per person

Reptile Ecology and Surveying * Saturday 6th May Tutor: Mike Phillips A chance to get up close and personal to some of our most iconic and often misunderstood creatures. An introduction to native British reptiles covering identification, basic ecology and survey techniques. Find out how to identify the best places to look for reptiles and what habitat features they require. 10.00am - 4.00pm £15 per person * In partnership with Kent Reptile and Amphibian Group (KRAG)

Plant Identification for Beginners Saturday 13th May Tutor: Dr. Lesley Mason An introduction to Plant Identification for beginners who want to know how to start identifying flowering plants. Participants will learn to recognise the parts of plants and the useful features that will enable them to decide which family a plant belongs to and help them gain confidence in how to identify plants to the species level. The use of basic keys will be introduced. This course will also provide a basic grounding in plant identification for people interested in attending the Phase 1 Habitat Survey course. 10.00am - 4.00pm £30 per person

Animal Skeletons Saturday 20th May Tutor: Anne Riddell Discover the amazing world of animal bones and put together a real animal skeleton. Find out how animals' bones help them to run, fly and jump. Decipher the clues that help you to identify mammal skulls from their shape and teeth, find out what skulls can tell us about their original owners' ages, gender and their causes of death and see how you can put together your own reference collection. 10.30am - 4.00pm £30 per person

Introduction to Birdsong Sunday 21st May Tutor: Simon Ginnaw Learn how to identify birds by their songs and calls. Find out how they make such a variety of sounds, what they mean, and some tips and tricks as to how to identify the birds by the sound. 9.30am - 3.00pm £30 per person

Introduction to Phase 1 Habitat Survey Saturday 27th May (Day 1) & Sunday 25th June (Day 2) Tutor: Dr. Lesley Mason Day 1: An introduction to Phase 1 Habitat Surveys; how they are conducted & recorded. You will learn how to identify key indicator plant species, distinguish broad habitats and how to write target notes to complete a Phase 1 Habitat Survey. This day is divided between classroom and field. Plant identification for beginners is an ideal precursor to this day. Day 2: Ideal for people who are already familiar with Phase 1 Habitat Survey basics (as covered in day 1), but want to increase their confidence and/or learn more about indicator plant species for different habitat types. Day 2 is a whole day out in the field looking at a variety of habitats including chalk grassland, neutral grassland types and other habitats to allow for a range of habitat types and their indicator plants to be experienced. This course will take place at various sites across Kent – own transport required. 10.00am - 4.00pm £55 per person per day (£100 for both days)

Important Information: * Minimum age for all courses is 18yrs unless specified. All under 18s must be accompanied by a paying adult. * All courses are held at Wildwood Trust, unless otherwise specified, and include Wildwood entry fees and materials. Wildwood does not provide transport. * All courses are booked directly with Wildwood unless otherwise stated, please check listing for details. * All courses must be paid for at the time of booking and are non-refundable unless cancelled by Wildwood. * Lunch is not provided. Participants are welcome to bring a packed lunch or purchase lunch in the Wildwood Cafe.

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Wildwood Trust Herne Common Herne Bay Kent CT6 7LQ Registered Charity No: 1093702 Wildwood: 01227 711 471 courses@wildwoodtrust.org