
Training
Excellent, knowledgeable tutors who covered the topics clearly and answered questions/led discussions in a very productive manner(Recreation & HRAs) ...
It did exactly what it set out to do. I feel much more informed about Commons generally and about the process involved in S38 applications(Commons Management) ...
A dry and complicated subject i.e. HRA regulations was interspersed with practical examples and research which helped to illustrate the HRA requirements(Recreation & HRAs) ...
Good location, food, facilities, trainers & audience(Commons Management) ...
The best training I have had this year (if not longer)(Commons Management)...
Training
Footprint Ecology runs a small number of scheduled and bespoke courses each year covering areas in which we have specialist expertise. These courses are open to all and may be held at our Wareham office or in other parts of the country. Group sizes are kept small to enhance the learning experience and prices are kept as low as possible. Courses are run by Footprint staff but we sometimes bring in outside experts or run combined courses with others.

Scheduled courses
Each year we run a programme of courses open to all and reflecting areas of current interest; topics and booking details are provided here.

Scheduled courses
We regularly hold training courses in Habitats Regulation Assessments (HRA), Bird Disturbance, GIS, and Counting Visitors. All course fees include training materials and refreshments. Most courses are located in Dorset. Trainees on our courses have included county ecologists, ecology consultants, rangers and wardens as well as employees of Natural England, Forestry Commission and charities such as wildlife trusts. If you are interested in one of our courses, or would like to be on a mailing list for course updates, please contact us.
Due to COVID-19 our courses have been deferred until further notice.
About our courses
All courses include food (locally sourced and where possible organic) and refreshments. Vegetarian and special diets can be catered for - please let us know if you have any special requirements. All scheduled courses are at our Dorset office in Wareham Forest unless otherwise stated.
How to book places on a course
To reserve a place on a course contact the Practice Manager on 01929 552444 or e-mail training@footprint-ecology.co.uk. Your place will be confirmed on receipt of the completed booking form.
How to pay for a course
For organisations and companies we can raise an invoice to be paid within 30 days by BACS or cheque. Please ensure you supply a purchase order number if that is required by your accounts department.
Alternatively, we can take card payments here via our website using Paypal. A VAT receipt will be supplied.
Cancellations
Footprint Ecology reserve the right to cancel courses due to unforeseen circumstances. Where courses are cancelled by Footprint any fees paid will be credited in full. If you find you have to cancel, we will do our best to fill your place on the course, however if the cancellation is less than 14 days before the course and we cannot fill your space, we cannot refund your fee.

Bespoke courses
In addition to scheduled courses we also run bespoke courses which can be designed and run for particular groups or issues. This has cost savings and allows clients to have a course exactly tailored to their requirements and held at their premises if preferred. The courses we offer reflect our areas of expertise, but we have an extensive network of associates who we can bring in to complement our expertise to produce a tailor-made course. Some examples of in-house training we have supplied are:
- Coastal bird disturbance
for Natural England at various locations - GIS mapping
for Butterfly Conservation and Dorset Wildlife Trust - Commons management training
for Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust - Statistical analysis techniques for invertebrate communities
for Natural England - Controlled burning to manage heathland
for Outsourced Client Solutions - MoD estates
Trainees on our courses have included county ecologists, ecology consultants, rangers and wardens as well as employees of Natural England, Forestry Commission and charities such as wildlife trusts. If you are interested in one of our courses, or would like to be on a mailing list for course updates, please contact us.
ENQUIRE ABOUT TRAININGContact us to discuss your project
We’re always ready to talk about your requirements, so please do get in touch today