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:

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

Useful links, detailed information, great supporting photos

Claire

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

Sara

The teaching is excellent. It’s clear, precise and easy to follow. The knowledge from Sue is fantastic and it’s taught in a very understandable way with no rush. It’s been really good and I feel I’ve been able to retain the information well because of the way the course has been taught.

Max

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

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

It was very informative and easy to access and navigate.

Tim