Camera Trapping Mammals

Despite their size, many mammals are difficult to observe directly, making remote detection techniques essential for monitoring. Camera trapping provides a non-intrusive way to record elusive or nocturnal species, revealing behaviour and presence that might otherwise go unnoticed. By understanding how camera traps work, how to deploy them effectively, and how to interpret the footage they capture, you can build a reliable picture of mammal activity in a wide range of habitats.

This one-day course introduces participants to the principles and practice of camera trapping for mammal monitoring. Using the Browning Strike Force model, we'll demonstrate how to choose suitable settings and how to select the best placement for detection of mammals.

The day includes hands-on activities, group discussion, and a practical session in a local greenspace, where you’ll work through the process of setting up a camera trap, comparing different placement options, and assessing their strengths and limitations. You will then undertake guided classification of camera-trap images and video, learning how to identify target species, recognise common errors or false triggers, and manage your data responsibly.

This course is ideal for anyone interested in wildlife monitoring, including naturalists, conservation volunteers, students, and those wishing to contribute to local mammal-recording initiatives.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Understand how camera traps work and when they are useful for monitoring mammals.
• Choose appropriate equipment, settings and locations for different habitats and target species.
• Deploy a camera trap confidently in the field and evaluate the pros and cons of different setups.
• Review, classify and interpret camera-trap images and videos using the MammalWeb platform.
• Manage and organise camera-trap data effectively and contribute observations to local or national recording schemes.

Dr Sammy Mason is a trustee of MammalWeb, a charity aiming to improve mammal monitoring through the use of camera traps and citizen science. Sammy completed her PhD on the MammalWeb project, particularly focusing on estimating mammal densities using camera traps and evaluating the benefits of engagement with schools.

Non-professional Course Ticket (Free): Select this option if you are a non-professional (e.g. amateur naturalist, local group volunteer, undergraduate student or biological recorder). Tickets subsidised by Barnet Council .

Professional Course Ticket (£50): Select this option if you are a professional (e.g. ecologist, graduate student, researcher or are attending in relation to your vocation).

Ticket fees include an administrative fee of 20% that is non-refundable. This consists of approximately 10% for Eventbrite fees and 10% for time spent by the Biological Recording Company processing the order.

Further cancellation charges will also be incurred for the following:

• 20% admin fee + 10% cancellation fee for cancellations made over 90 days in advance of the date of the course.
• 20% admin fee + 30% cancellation fee for cancellations made within between 30 and 90 days of the date of the course.
• 20% admin fee + 80% cancellation fee for cancellations made within 30 days of the date of the course.

The Freehold Community Centre is an association focused on improving the lives of Barnet residents through recreation and education. It provides a variety of facilities and activities in the interest of social welfare, such as community spaces, educational programs, and recreational opportunities. 

Field activities will take place in Hollickwood Park (located adjacent to the centre) or Friern Bridge Open Space (located on the other side of the North Circular Road).

The nearest railway station is New Southgate station (a 19-minute walk) and the closest tube station is Arnos Grove (a 22-minute walk). The closest bus stop is Cromwell Road (Stop CL) and Hampden Road (Stop CE), serviced by the 43, 134 and 634

This event is being run as a collaboration between the Biological Recording Company and Barnet Council.

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