Course: Beaver Ecology and Survey Techniques (Practical)

Prepare to get hands-on with this two-day practical course focusing on the ecology of the Eurasian Beaver and survey techniques.

With the return of beaver to watercourses across the UK, it has become increasingly important for all ecologists to learn more about this keystone species. Devon has been at the heart of this return and is home to one of the largest free-roaming populations in the country. Focusing on practical skills and experience, we will visit multiple beaver active sites and learn to determine presence and activity, and identify key habitat features. You will also get the chance to go ‘beaver spotting’ during an optional evening excursion. 

This course will include:

• Classroom-based session introducing basic beaver ecology and survey methodology.
• Multiple field visits to active beaver sites to find field signs, see key habitat features and practice survey methods. 
• Session on basic botany, required for habitat mapping and suitability assessments. 
• Optional evening excursion to watch free-living beavers within a known territory. 
• Overview of relevant legislation and policy changes. 

The focus of this course is practical skills and experience. As such, a large proportion of this course will be out in the field and learning by doing under the expert guidance of a local ecologist who has tracked beavers for many years.

This course is eligible for a student discount. If you are a current student, please use discount code BioStudent20 at checkout for 20% off.