Delve deeper into our natural world
Nature is in trouble! Discover how you can protect wildlife for the future by attending one of our Study Days.
Increase your knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of Kent’s wild plants and animals - and learn how to manage habitats to encourage them.
Photo by Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION
Our Courses and Programmes
Wildlife Study Days are designed to help the people of Kent to learn more about the wildlife of the county. Beginners are very welcome and those with some experience will be able to improve their knowledge and identification techniques.
Leaders are knowledgeable in their own topics but are also pleased to discuss other points of interest as they arise. We aim to create an informal atmosphere in which everyone can progress at their own speed.
2018 Study Days
Our study days are held outside or in our centres across the county and offer the chance to enhance your wildlife knowledge, identification and management skills.
Friday 7th September 2018, 10am till 4pm: Autumn Migration in Kent
Observe and learn about the wonders of bird migration at Oare Marshes, one of Kent’s best watch points.
Friday 21st September 2018, 10am - 4pm: Ground Beetle Identification and Ecology for Beginners
Learn how to tackle the identification of ground beetles to species, and to understand their usefulness in assessing habitat quality.
Wednesday 3rd October 2018, 10.30am - 4pm: Beginners Guide and Introduction to Fungi
An important first step to understanding this fascinating group. Classroom studies and some field work.
Friday 5th October 2018, 10am - 4pm: Get More from Your Birdwatching; a Study Day for Beginners and Improvers
This Study Day is for those who would like to take up birdwatching or would like to improve their skills. It focuses on good fieldcraft, bird finding and identification skills as well as looking at binoculars, field guides and the other equipment of the hobby.
Saturday 6th October 2018, 10am - 3/4pm: Meet the Fungi
This study day is more than an autumnal woodland walk in search of fungi. It is also an opportunity to learn about fungi life cycles, host-associations, distribution and main identification characters.
Wednesday 10th October 2018, 10am - 3/4pm: Identification of Fungi II
Helpful tips on identification of larger fungi and their habitats in the field.
Friday 2nd November 2018, 10am - 4pm: Birds of the White Cliffs
Observe and learn about the special birds of the chalk cliffs at this unique coastal site.
Saturday 3rd November 2018, 10am - 3/4pm: Trees in Winter
Identification by the buds, twigs, bark, shape and size. Challenging but possible. Classroom and field studies.
Saturday 3rd November 2018, 10am - 4pm: Identification of Fungi III
Helpful on identification of larger fungi and their habitats in the field.
Saturday 3rd November 2018, 9.45am - 4.15pm: Kent Mammal Tracks and Signals NEW
Learn about which mammals might be living in your area by identifying the signs (including tracks, droppings and feeding remains) they may have left behind. The course includes a tour of the park, a ‘Who nibbled this nut?’ practical and a poo quiz to test your newfound knowledge!
Saturday 17th November 2018, 10am - 3/4pm: Lichens
Make a start on identifying these notoriously difficult yet intriguing, beautiful and environmentally sensitive plants.
Sunday 18th November 2018, 10am - 3/4pm: Woodland Mosses for Beginners
Learn more about the complex lives and identification of mosses.
Friday 7th December 2018, 10am - 4pm: Birds of Prey of the North Kent Marshes
Spend a day observing birds of prey. Learn how to identify different species and more about their characteristics, habitats and behaviour.
Prices and Booking
Prices
- Normal fee: £33 per person per day.
- Concessionary fee: Kent Wildlife Trust volunteers, senior citizens, unemployed and students £5 off.
Courses running until the end of March will be charged at the previous rate of £28.
If you are booking through your employer, a corporate rate will apply. An invoice can be supplied.
Corporate rate: £70 per day.
Proceeds from our Wildlife Study Day programme support the wider work of the Trust.
How do I book?
You can book your place online through the event listing for each individual study day course, or by calling us on 01622 662012 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5:30pm).
Each day is usually limited to 15 places, with 6 as the normal minimum to proceed. We encourage booking online and you will receive further information 10 days prior to the event date. Many courses are very popular, so early booking is recommended.
There is an administration charge of £5 for all booking cancellations. Please note that we will be unable to give refunds or transfers to another day for cancellations with less than 10 working days' notice.