Introduction to Conservation (3-day course) for 16-30 yr olds

This 3-day course is an opportunity to see behind the scenes of Avon Wildlife Trust and get first hand experience in wildlife conservation and land management. This dedicated course for young people provides a foundation of knowledge in all aspects of working for a conservation charity, practical fieldwork skills and an understanding of all the different jobs that happen behind the scenes.

If you're considering a career in the conservation sector and want to learn more about your local wildlife, how a charity like the Avon Wildlife Trust works, enjoy being outside with like-minded people or you just want to try something different - then this course is for you!

The course is based at Avon Wildlife Trust's urban nature reserve, Grow Wilder, near Filton. We are accessible by public bus and can support your travel funds if this is a barrier for you.

Day 1 - Land and Habitat Management
What is conservation?
Practical habitat management task
Classroom discussion around pesticides, sustainable practices, woodland management, habitat restoration/rewilding and biodiversity
Horticultural task
Classroom discussion around community food growing, wildflowers and native plants, wildlife friendly gardening, urban gardening and techniques such as companion planting
Set up the moth trap

Day 2: Ecology and Wildlife
Checking the moth trap
Mammal tracking
Looking at and experiecning different wildlife monitoring techniques including footprint tunnels, camera traps, bat detectors and reptile mats
Pond dipping and surveying techniques, pond ecology and maintenance
Bird transects and owl pellet dissection
Set up moth trap, camera traps and footprint tunnels

Day 3: Communication, Education and Advocacy
Checking the moth trap, camera traps and footprint tunnels
Classroom discussion and task around the importance of communication and engagement with the wider public as a conservation charity, including policy, campaigning, youth work and media/marketing.
Investigating wellbeing in nature activities such as fire lighting and whittling, finishing with cooking over the fire.
Final discussion around conservation careers, citizen science and signposting to your future steps in looking after your local wildlife.

This timetable is subject to change depending on weather and availability of tutors.

This event is for 16-30 year olds.

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Host or Publisher Avon Wildlife Trust