Water voles are fully protected by UK law and can be found on-site near water courses. It is, therefore, essential that ecologists and conservationists know how to recognise the field signs of water voles, and how to survey for them. You should also have a good understanding of water vole ecology and law if you are likely to encounter them in your work.

In this course, we look at how to recognise signs of water voles and how to survey for them. We also look at the laws protecting them and their conservation needs.

This course is taught as a series of videos by an experienced Principal Ecologist from Ecology Training UK. It combines a virtual classroom session that will teach you about water vole ecology, identification, field signs and legislation. Then, we go outdoors on a virtual water vole survey to learn how to apply these skills in practice. By the end of the course you should have a good basic knowledge of water vole conservation, ecology and surveying, and the legal framework surrounding their protection.

The course will cover the following topics:

• Water vole biology and ecology
• How to identify water voles and their field signs
• The legal status of water voles
• Water vole conservation

What you get:

The course comprises 2 videos – one in the classroom and one out in the field, and handouts for the classroom part. At the end there will be a short quiz and if you get over 70% you will receive a Certificate.

Timings:

Study in your own time. Takes approximately 3-4 hours.

Here’s what our students are saying:

Great short course to gain knowledge about our rare little water rodent. If you’re looking to learn more about water voles I highly recommend this course.

Michael

It was very informative and easy to access and navigate.

Tim

The course is easy to follow and explained quite well especially helping individuals getting started in ecology

Jack

Very easy to understand and accessible

Sophie

A career change in your 40’s its quite a daunting prospect, and even though I had completed lots of self study, small courses and training- I knew there were likely a few gaps in my knowledge, so doing a full structured course made good sense. Whilst some of the content was quite familiar, I was surprised by just how big some of the knowledge gaps were – it really boosted my confidence studying the modules and realising why they were so important. It is a great course that I would recommend to anyone wanting to qualify in Conservation, and has certainly helped me in my new career working as part of a landscape recovery project team

Bill Bradshaw

I liked the way Sue explained each module, she was clear and her passion was visible! She motivated me even more!

Sara

The material was concise and easy to understand; I loved the flexibility and ability to get the qualifications done at your own pace; and Sue was brilliant!

Deren

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

Naomi

ETUK- has really given me a step up into the ecology sector. I feel confident and motivated to take my career development in this direction, particularly in bat work, this course has given me the foundations to achieve that. Thank you 🙂

Georgina