Great Crested Newt Ecology and Surveying is a comprehensive introduction to the species, its ecology and how to survey for them. It is delivered as an online, self-study course.

Great Crested Newts are a UK-protected species, widespread across lowland England. They occupy a range of habitats, in rural, suburban and urban areas. Although they breed in ponds, they spend much of their life on land. As they are fully protected by the law, it is crucial that ecologists and land managers understand their ecology and how to survey for them as they are frequently encountered during developments and vegetation clearance. This course provides a good introduction for those wishing to work towards a Great Crested Newt Licence (experience also required).

Great Crested Newt Ecology and Surveying, Course Content:

This is an introductory level course suitable for those working in consultancy or conservation. The course will cover the following topics:

• Ecology and habitat requirements
• Newt identification
• Legislation and licences
• Survey techniques
  
• Habitat Suitability Index

At the end of the course, you will do a short quiz and if you get over 70% you will get a Certificate.

This course is two videos:

Part 1 covers Ecology, identification, legislation, threats, habitat management and diseases. Run time 1hr 34 mins.

Part 2 covers surveying for GCN including bottle trapping, netting, egg searching, torching, eDNA sampling and Habitat Suitability Index assessments. Run time 35 mins.

You will also be provided with the Great Crested Newt Conservation Handbook, the HSI instructions and Calculator and the Amphibian Habitat Management Handbook as handouts.

Here’s what our students are saying:

I loved doing this course. I find newts really interesting little creatures and this is a great introduction for what you are looking for, the different ways to trap them (with a license) and the habitat they need.

Helen Greenleaves

Very informative. Provides an excellent foundation for those who wish to further their knowledge and skills in GCN survey work.

Phillippa

The course was great! I really enjoyed it and it’s made me even more enthusiastic about becoming an ecologist and being able to do things like this full time. I’m really looking forward to hopefully being able to gain some practical experience this year to go alongside it

Rachel

I liked the ability to undertake the course at my own pace.

Naomi

Very easy to understand and accessible

Sophie

Depth of knowledge was excellent.

Alister

Useful links, detailed information, great supporting photos

Claire

ETUK is such wonderful and exciting resource. I came across an advertisement in British Wildlife. I appreciate how generous and comprehensive the information is. It’s very empowering to feel I can actually gain the tools to help to make an impact.

Anna

Flexibility and easy to follow layout.

Michael

The course was enjoyable and informative. I found it particularly helpful in how flexible the study time was. You could do one module and then leave it a day or two when you had more time. It has also helped my career prospects.

Tim