Level
Days
FM O 27-29 Mar
Centre
Shared
occupancy cost
Date
Fri - Sun £254 £234 £182
Sole occupancy Non-Residential
cost
cost
Ecology, Conservation, Surveying and Recording of British Amphibians
and Reptiles
Reptiles
and
The location of many of John
Constable’s paintings, Flatford Mill
runs over 120 Natural History and
Arts courses in a unique and
tranquil learning environment.
Course Overview
This new course introduces the identification, natural history, ecology and
conservation of the British species of amphibians and reptiles, through a
combination of illustrated talks and local field excursions. Up-to-date techniques
for surveying and recording their presence will be covered.
The course will be suitable for anyone with an interest in and appreciation of
amphibians and reptiles, regardless of age or previous experience.
Course Description
This short weekend course will introduce participants to the identification, natural
history and conservation of herpetofauna: Britain’s frogs, toads, newts, lizards and
snakes. During the weekend we shall cover the following topics through a
combination of indoor illustrated talks and outdoor activities:
 Ecology
 Identification
 Surveying
 Conservation
Tel: 01206 297110 E-mail: enquiries.fm@field-studies-council.org
Fax: 01206 298892
Friday
19.00: Dinner
20.00: Introduction to Course and programme, followed by an Introduction
to British Amphibians (frogs and toads)
Saturday
09.15:
10.45:
12.30:
13.00:
15.30:
18.30:
19.30
Introduction to British Amphibians (newts)
Introduction to British Reptiles (lizards)
Lunch
Fieldwork visit local site
Introduction to British Reptiles (snakes)
Dinner
Surveying and Conservation methods
Sunday
09.15:
09.30:
14.00:
15.00:
15.30:
16.00:
Briefing for field trip
Fieldwork visit to Amphibian and Reptile sites (lunch in the field)
Recording methods
ID Skills
Final discussion
Course end
About the Tutor
Duncan Sweeting has an interest in and worked with East African and British
Reptiles and Amphibians for over twenty years and now chairs the Suffolk
Amphibian and Reptile Group (SARG). Duncan has been involved with several
scientific projects, recently Chytrid fungus in amphibians and adder DNA sampling
for the Institute of Zoology, the University of Oxford and Natural England. He
continues to work, run training courses and instruct on Suffolk’s herpetofauna.
Ecology, Conservation, Surveying and Recording of British Amphibians and Reptiles
The proposed programme is as follows, though the order may change depending
on the weather:
What to Bring




Warm and waterproof clothing – essential!
Stout shoes or boots
Notebook and pencil
Camera - not essential
Tel: 01206 297110 E-mail: enquiries.fm@field-studies-council.org
Fax: 01206 298892
Participants will be introduced to basic identification aids and materials:
 Inns, Howard (2009) Britain’s Reptiles and Amphibians, published by Wild
Guides, ISBN 978-1-903657-25-6
 Gent, T & Gibson, S (2003 revised) Herpetofauna Workers’ Manual,
published by JNCC, ISBN 1 86107 450 6
 Arnold, N & Ovenden, D (2002). Collins Field Guide: Reptiles and Amphibians
of Britain and Europe
 Roberts, P & Ovenden, D (2003). Guide to the reptiles and amphibians of
Britain and Ireland published by FSC, ISBN 1 85153 865 8 (OP55).
What the Fee Includes
Residential course fee includes:
 Full board accommodation including cooked breakfast, picnic lunch,
homemade cakes and an evening meal. Vegetarian and other dietary option
available.
 Up to 8 hours teaching time a day, plus relaxing breaks for meals and
refreshments.
 Tea and coffee making facilities available throughout the day.
 Use of resources including library, workrooms, studios and the Centre
grounds.
 Transport during the courses.
 Insurance to cover cancellation, personal belongings, personal accident,
legal liability and medical emergency.
If you choose to be a non-resident on a residential course, the fee will include all
the above except accommodation and breakfast.
Ecology, Conservation, Surveying and Recording of British Amphibians and Reptiles
Recommended Reading
Start and Finish times
Afternoon tea is available from 1600 on Friday, but the first formal activity is
dinner at 1900 (with the bar open from 1845!).
Residents: Please aim to arrive between 1600 and 1800 on Friday to allow
us sufficient time to show you to your accommodation and around the
communal areas.
Tel: 01206 297110 E-mail: enquiries.fm@field-studies-council.org
Fax: 01206 298892
Non-residents: You do not need to arrive quite so early but please can you
be here by 1800 as we need to show you the communal areas as well.
The course will end at 1600 on Sunday.
How to book
Bookings can be made by telephoning the Centre. We are open 0930 – 1700
weekdays and most weekends. Alternatively, bookings can be made via our
website: www.field-studies-council.org
Tel: 01206 297110 E-mail: enquiries.fm@field-studies-council.org
Fax: 01206 298892