Acorn Ecology Ltd

Badgers are frequently encountered on development sites so it is important that ecologists know how to survey for them, how to recognise their field signs and have a good understanding of their ecology.

Ecologists also need to have a clear understanding of the legislation and guidance relating to badgers and development, and to make sure we use appropriate mitigation techniques.

When is a licence required? What type of licence is required? Will this activity result in disturbance of badgers in a sett? Is this an active sett? If these are questions that your have asked, then our badgers and development course is probably just what you are looking for.

Our badger course will be split into two days and you are welcome to come to just one of them, or both of them. You will need to bring a packed lunch on the first day, but lunch will be provided on the second day. You will receive a discount if you book onto both courses at the same time.

Day 1 - Badger Ecology and Survey Techniques

This course will be part classroom and part field based and will be taught by Sue Searle BSc (Hons), PGDip, MIEEM and Adam Bratt BSc (Hons), AIEEM. The course will cover urban and rural badger ecology and field signs, as well as looking at techniques used for surveying badgers. During the course we will take a visit to an extensive badger sett where you can practice identifying field signs and mapping a sett.

Day 2 - Badgers and Development

This course will be taught by Sue Searle BSc, PGDip, MIEEM and is aimed at those who work with developers on sites with badgers, and those ecologists working under infrastructure maintenance contracts. This day will be spent in the classroom, and will cover the following topics:

• Badgers and the law
• Badger issues in development projects
• Types of licences (for development and in response to property damage)
• Mitigation techniques for both licence types
• Case studies of badger projects

Other details

Where: The course will begin at our training centre at The Granary, Westpoint, Sidmouth Road, Exeter, EX5 1DJ. In case you need to stay overnight, we have provided a list of local accommodation.

When: The next Badger Ecology and Surveying course is scheduled for Thursday 19th July 2012 beginning at 10.30 am and running until around 4.30-5:00pm.

The next Badgers and Development course is running on the following day, Friday 20th July 2012. It will start at 10:00am and finish between 4-4.30pm.

Price: The price of the Badger Ecology and Surveying course varies according to your situation: £105 (standard fee); £85 for unemployed/full time students/full time volunteers; and £130 if your organisation is paying. This fee covers tuition only. Prices are inclusive of VAT. A packed lunch should be brought to eat during fieldwork.

The price of Badgers and Development is set at £190. This includes a buffet lunch and a cream tea in the afternoon.

Booking both courses together means a discounted combined price of £275.

How to book: You can book on-line by clicking the 'Buy Now' button below and selecting the appropriate rate. Alternatively you can complete the attached form and send a cheque or request an invoice

Once you have booked, we will e-mail you to confirm that your booking has been received.