Here at Ecology Training UK, we are passionate about creating the best ecology courses that are relevant, accessible and inspiring. So, if you want to get into, or further your career in ecology, here are some of our most recommended courses.

Best Ecology Courses 2026

The world of ecology is forever changing with fresh pressures and new legislations changing the landscape of our workplace. While this might seem daunting, but it’s part of what makes a career in ecology so exciting and varied. You just need to be prepared for your journey in ecological consultancy to be a dynamic one. You must keep learning new things. A great way to do this is with our ecology courses.

Here are our best ecology courses of 2026 to keep your knowledge up-to-date and relevant. Whether you are already working in ecological consultancy, or just starting out. 

Introduction to Biodiversity Net Gain

Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is mandatory in the UK since 2024. It requires all developers to deliver a minimum of 10% net gain in biodiversity, either on or off site using a standard metric. 

Our Introduction to BNG course is designed to give you an overview of what you need to become a BNG practitioner. We provide insight into what the job involves, the applications of BNG and some case studies. Becoming a biodiversity net gain practitioner should prove to be an exciting career move over the coming years. Those who learn this skill first will stay ahead of the curve. 

QGIS for Ecologists and QGIS for Biodiversity Net Gain

These ecology courses focus on how to use the free mapping software QGIS. These are excellent ecology courses to take in 2026 to stay ahead of current legislations. QGIS allows you to create and access detailed habitat maps and databases, measure habitat areas and produce maps for reports. 

Taking this a step further, our QGIS for Biodiversity Net Gain course is specifically designed for BNG practitioners. Mapping skills are essential for recording baseline and post-development habitats. And for using the statutory BNG metric to calculate habitat loss and gains. If you can learn this skill early on, you will have a good advantage over many others learning biodiversity net gain. 

Bat Ecology and Surveying

If you’re interested in ecological consultancy, try our Bat Ecology and Surveying course. This is one of the best ecology courses for you to get started with. There is no time like the present, and earning your bat licence is a huge boost for your career. 

So, if you want to know where to start, try our bat ecology and surveying course. This provides you with a solid introduction to bats. It also teaches you how we survey for them, the legislation and why they are so important for our ecosystems. 

We have a range of other bat courses available face-to-face or online helping you work towards your bat licence. 

While bats are a huge part of ecological consultancy, there are many more protected species in the UK. We offer Ecology and Surveying courses for many species including Dormice, Otters, Beavers, Reptiles and more.

With beaver populations now spreading in the UK there is more call for trained ecologists who know how to manage them. We expect beaver populations to continue to grow, and their protected status means that only individuals holding beaver licences will be able to work with them. 

That’s what makes this one of the best ecology courses of 2026, to help you learn about this fascinating ecosystem engineer, and work towards being one of the first people to hold a beaver licence in this country.

Best Courses for Starting a Career in Ecological Consultancy

If you have a solid background in conservation, ecology or habitat management with a relevant degree or experience we highly recommend our Certificate in Ecological Consultancy. This is a fast-track to learning the important key skills for a job as an ecological consultant. From there you can develop your interests, work towards licences and more. 

If you haven’t studied anything to do with biology, ecology, conservation or habitat management before, why not try our Certificate in Conservation Management. This course is designed to give you a good understanding of conservation, which acts as a foundation for studying ecology. Ecological consultancy relies on a good understanding of conservation and habitats. 

While conservation is a different subject to ecology and ecological consultancy, ecological consultancy is considered a more specialist job, and it requires a good understanding of conservation. Many people move from conservation to ecological consultancy as their careers progress. 

We focus on the skills and knowledge that you need for a career, and this course works as a foundation for our Certificate in Ecological Consultancy, which otherwise requires you to hold a relevant degree or experience. So, if you want to get into ecology but you’re not sure how, we recommend first gaining a thorough knowledge of conservation, before moving on.

This course is fun, practical and inspiring. There has never been a better time to get into ecology and conservation, and if it’s new to you, this course is the door opener you need. 

Where to Study Ecology in the UK

Ecology is becoming a more and more popular subject, with many more universities offering courses compared with a decade ago. Ecology courses at universities still focus heavily on the theoretical side of ecology, leaning towards research rather than practical skills. So, if you don’t have the time or inclination to return to university, or you want to take a shortcut, our Certificate in Conservation Management, followed by our Certificate in Ecological Consultancy gives you the skills and knowledge you need to walk straight into a job. 

Many of our students already have degrees in ecology, conservation, biology or related subjects but struggle to secure a job in ecology because they lack practical skills. Developing these practical skills, either through a comprehensive course such as Certificate in Ecological Consultancy, or by pursuing your own interest with our wide range of online, face-to-face and webinar courses, you will immediately become a more appealing prospect for potential employers. Alternatively, you may wish to follow our business blueprint and set up your own ecological consultancy using our tried and tested method. 

Best Ecology Courses Online

Our online ecology courses are designed to be practical and relevant. As ecologists, we are passionate about passing on the skills and knowledge that you need in your own career as an ecologist. 

If you’re just starting out and are wondering what the best ecology courses online are for you, consider one of the following: 

• Introduction to Ecology: This course will introduce you to the exciting world of ecology, and some of the concepts and practices used by ecologists. It’s a great first step for anyone new to ecology or wishing to refresh their knowledge.
• Beginner’s Botany: (only available from May until September so that you can go out and practice while you learn) This is a key skill for all ecologists, and knowing how to identify local species can hugely boost your understanding of habitats and the natural world, and increase your chances of securing a job. 
• Phase 1 Habitat Mapping: Another key skill in ecology, that goes hand-in-hand with botany is phase 1 habitat mapping. Almost all ecological consultants are required to learn this skill early on in their careers, and by taking this course you can add this feather to your cap quickly and easily. 
• Surveying for Protected Species: This course walks you through the methods used to survey for protected species in the UK. Another skill that you are unlikely to learn at university, but will be required to learn quickly if you want to work as an ecological consultant. 
• Introduction to Bats: Bat work is an ecological consultant’s bread and butter. There is a lot to learn about bats, and working towards your bat licence is usually an important step in becoming a fully-fledged ecological consultant. You can take your first steps towards achieving this by taking our introduction to bats course, or by going for our more in-depth Bat Ecology and Surveying course. 

How to Study Ecology Online

While ecology is a very practical, hands-on subject, at Ecology Training UK we believe that it can be taught effectively online using case-studies and by encouraging students to go outside and practice. We have seen countless students demonstrate great insight and hands-on skills they have learned through our online courses. 

If you want to start out learning ecology, we recommend our Introduction to Ecology course which is an excellent gateway into the world of ecology and ecological consultancy.

Where to Study Ecology in the UK

While there are a lot of options for university courses in the UK teaching ecology, we truly believe that you don’t need a degree to get into ecology. The best place to study ecology in the UK is therefore the place that fits in with your life and allows you to learn practical skills while keeping up with your other commitments. This might mean studying short face-to-face courses when you can, or learning online to fit around your everyday life. 

We have helped countless students change career into ecology or get a job after university by bridging the gap between their studies and the practical requirements for the job.