Our short courses are aimed at anybody who feels that they lack the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in an ecological job or would just like to increase their knowledge about wildlife in general.

Our advanced courses are specifically aimed at practising ecologists who want to build on their existing skill levels.

People of all ages come on our courses with a variety of academic and practical knowledge, ranging from university students to people already working within the environmental/ecological fields, and people embarking on a career change.

Ecology Training UK recognises that whilst university courses provide knowledge, they often fail to equip you with the necessary field skills for an ecological/conservation job.

Our solution is to provide affordable professional development courses that are led by practising ecologists. The courses also provide an opportunity to meet other people working within similar or related industries. In particular, our Certificate in Ecological Consultancy Course offers a more complete training for those wanting to embark on a career in ecological consultancy.

Each course provides training from an experienced practicing ecologist, and usually there is the opportunity to learn in the classroom as well as with a field-based, hands-on approach. Advanced courses tend to be classroom only and we aim to make the day relaxed and enjoyable, as well as informative and challenging. Students will receive appropriate handouts.

We also offer a large variety of online self-study courses, some being text only and others are video recorded versions of the field courses.

Each student will be given a certificate of attendance when they have completed the course. For our online courses, a quiz (multiple choice) needs to be completed and passed with a score of >70% before the certificate can be issued.

Our courses are mainly taught by Sue Searle BSc, PG Dip (Ecology), MCIEEM who is the Managing Director and a Principal Ecologist at Ecology Training UK, or one of our other Senior or Principal Ecologist tutors. All of our tutors are practising ecologists with on-the-job knowledge of what they are teaching or experts in their field. Previous students have given very positive feedback:

“I’m positive that the experience gained has helped me gain employment in the ecology sector”

“I cannot over-emphasize the value of the practical hands-on nature of the course compared with others I have been on – it transfers so much more information in a memorable way – puts markers on the information so that it is easily retrievable – compared with just being lectured at!”

We can provide training, both field courses and webinars, to corporations or groups of enthusiastic individuals. Field courses are usually in the south and south west of England but other locations can be considered.

We can also tailor training for certain aspects of ecological studies or surveying, and are constantly looking to add to the list of courses offered. You can also call us to discuss the possibilities of group discounts too.​

Please call us to discuss the possibilities of group discounts.​ Typically if you are booking 5 or more courses we will give a 10% discount.

For our short taught courses group sizes tend to be around 12-15, although they can be slightly bigger or smaller, depending on demand.

If numbers are below 5, we unfortunately may have to cancel the course and will let you know at least a week in advance. If we have to cancel, a full refund will be given or you can transfer to the next available date.

A ‘what to bring’ list for field courses will be sent out to you before the courses commence. Specialised equipment for the surveys is provided, but you will need to bring appropriate outdoor clothing/footwear and a packed lunch (unless otherwise stated on the course information).

Most of our courses are based in the Exeter area and include visits to stunning local wildlife sites.

We also hold some of our courses in other areas of the country, particularly if the course is about a species/habitat that is not frequently found in Devon. Other locations used include:
near Winchester, Hampshire; Surrey, Bristol area; and Somerset near Castle Carey.

The location of your course will be specified on the course details, and you will receive detailed information, directions and accommodation options when you receive your course information.

Students are expected to make their own way to the initial course venue and we will provide directions and transport information when you book. During the course, we endeavour to keep travel to a minimum and ask students to share lifts to and from field visits.

Accommodation is NOT provided as part of the course fee.

However, to make it easier for you to find somewhere locally, we have collated a list of accommodation that is within a relatively short distance of each course venue and you will be sent this when you book on to the course.

Unfortunately we cannot give a full refund due to the admin involved in the booking process. Please make sure you can get the day off to attend the course.

However the following refunds are available for short courses:

• 60% refund if you cancel a month in advance
• 30% refund if you cancel 2-4 weeks before
• No refund if you cancel less than 2 weeks before the course

If we have to cancel the course due to low numbers, a full refund will be given. In circumstances like illness or bereavement we will do our best to accommodate you on another date or on an online equivalent course.

Yes, we offer 20% off our Introductory Courses to full-time students, full-time volunteers, and those who are currently unemployed.

Please enter the code studentdiscount2021 at checkout when you are booking an introductory course. You will be asked to provide evidence of your student, volunteer or unemployed status when you attend the course. Please note we do not accept this code on our Advanced Courses.

Yes VAT is included in the price.

Yes on request. Please contact us on [email protected].

We can raise an invoice for you. Please email [email protected] giving details of your company, purchase order number (if relevant), delegate name/email/mobile, course title and price. We will then prepare an invoice and send it via email.

If the course that you want to attend is full, please complete the form below to register your interest and we will notify you of the next available date. We are likely to put on another course date if the demand is high enough. If there is a cancellation we may also be able to offer you a place on the existing course on another date or at another location.