London has some of the best urban wetland nature reserves in the world. In this course, we’ll explore two contrasting, but equally rewarding, wetland sites, learning about the common birds and other animals that live there, as well as the challenges of urban conservation.
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This course provides an introduction to wildlife in London’s Walthamstow Wetlands and Rainham Marshes, two remarkable wetland reserves in the city. What might we identify in the Spring during these 2 outdoor guided walks?
What will we cover?
Basic identification of common wildlife, especially wetland birds such as ducks, waders and raptors
Some introductory aspects of behaviour and ecology
Conservation – in particular the challenges of protecting wildlife in the densely populated city
The history of both sites, and how this relates to their value for wildlife
How to get involved yourself
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Identify a number of common birds and mammals through direct observation
Understand some basic principles of animal behaviour and ecology, and how these impact wildlife conservation
Recognise some of the challenges inherent in conserving urban biodiversity
Develop skills that will enhance your enjoyment of wildlife in London’s parks and beyond
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an introductory course and is open to all. No prior knowledge of the subject is required. However, you will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course and participate fully in discussions. You will also need to be able to participate in a leisurely walk, sometimes along rough paths.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
There will be two sessions in total, at Rainham Marshes and Walthamstow Wetlands. The walks will be at a slow pace with numerous stops for discussion and observing wildlife.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You will need to cover the cost of your transport to the meeting places for the walks. Wear comfortable clothing for walking, including sturdy footwear. Consider the weather on the day and bring a waterproof coat if required. Feel free to bring binoculars or a camera if you wish, but these are not required. The tutor will have binoculars and a spotting scope for wildlife observation.
Ben has a Masters in biodiversity, evolution and conservation from University College London and is currently a PhD candidate with Imperial College London, focusing on the impacts of nature-based tourism on both people and wildlife in the context of climate change. Outside his research, Ben is a wildlife tour guide in the UK and beyond. At City Lit, Ben is excited to offer courses on local ecologies and habitats, so far offering courses on ornithology and wildlife more broadly in Rainham Marshes, Walthamstow Wetlands and Richmond Park.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/spring-wildlife-walks174729Spring wildlife walkshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/h/e/heart_of_forget-me-nots.jpg7979GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Business, marketing & technology/Courses/Business, marketing & technology/Science & nature/Habitats, Ecology & the natural world/Courses/Business, marketing & technology/Science & nature/Courses/vm/Nature, environment and the Arts/Courses/vm/Courses to do around London228512111246166613391167812285121116661653<p>London has some of the best urban wetland nature reserves in the world. In this course, we’ll explore two contrasting, but equally rewarding, wetland sites, learning about the common birds and other animals that live there, as well as the challenges of urban conservation.</p><p> </p> <div data-content-type="html" data-appearance="default" data-element="main">Birdsong, wildflowers, butterflies and bees are among the highlights of spring. Discover the season of peak activity in the natural world through two evening classes at CityLit and four Saturday field-trips within London.</div>002992799Spring wildlife walks7979https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/h/e/heart_of_forget-me-nots_3.jpgInStockDaytimeSatOff SiteAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekend2026-04-18T00:00:00+00:00Apr 2026Business, marketing & technologyHS3017979Spring wildlife walks635179Ben Chapplespring-wildlife-walks/hs301-2526<p>London has some of the best urban wetland nature reserves in the world. In this course, we’ll explore two contrasting, but equally rewarding, wetland sites, learning about the common birds and other animals that live there, as well as the challenges of urban conservation.</p><p> </p>0000-Available|2026-04-18 00:00:00<p>This course provides an introduction to wildlife in London’s Walthamstow Wetlands and Rainham Marshes, two remarkable wetland reserves in the city. What might we identify in the Spring during these 2 outdoor guided walks? </p><p>London has some of the best urban wetland nature reserves in the world. In this course, we’ll explore two contrasting, but equally rewarding, wetland sites, learning about the common birds and other animals that live there, as well as the challenges of urban conservation.</p><p> </p><ul><li>Basic identification of common wildlife, especially wetland birds such as ducks, waders and raptors</li><li>Some introductory aspects of behaviour and ecology</li><li>Conservation – in particular the challenges of protecting wildlife in the densely populated city</li><li>The history of both sites, and how this relates to their value for wildlife</li><li>How to get involved yourself</li></ul><ul><li>Identify a number of common birds and mammals through direct observation</li><li>Understand some basic principles of animal behaviour and ecology, and how these impact wildlife conservation</li><li>Recognise some of the challenges inherent in conserving urban biodiversity</li><li>Develop skills that will enhance your enjoyment of wildlife in London’s parks and beyond</li></ul><p>This is an introductory course and is open to all. No prior knowledge of the subject is required. However, you will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course and participate fully in discussions. You will also need to be able to participate in a leisurely walk, sometimes along rough paths.</p><p>There will be two sessions in total, at Rainham Marshes and Walthamstow Wetlands. The walks will be at a slow pace with numerous stops for discussion and observing wildlife.</p><p>You will need to cover the cost of your transport to the meeting places for the walks. Wear comfortable clothing for walking, including sturdy footwear. Consider the weather on the day and bring a waterproof coat if required. Feel free to bring binoculars or a camera if you wish, but these are not required. The tutor will have binoculars and a spotting scope for wildlife observation.</p><p>HS329 Get Ready for the Dawn Chorus</p><p>HS347 The Birds of London </p>Science & natureHabitats, Ecology & the natural worldvirtual637951HS301NONESat18/04/26 - 25/04/2611:00 - 13:3011:0013:301 session1One-off onlyWeekendOSOff SiteBen ChappleAvailable courses2026-04-18T00:00:00+00:00DaytimeApr 2026Business, marketing & technology7979Spring wildlife walksspring-wildlife-walks/hs301-2526<p>London has some of the best urban wetland nature reserves in the world. In this course, we’ll explore two contrasting, but equally rewarding, wetland sites, learning about the common birds and other animals that live there, as well as the challenges of urban conservation.</p><p> </p>0000-Available|2026-04-18 00:00:00<p>This course provides an introduction to wildlife in London’s Walthamstow Wetlands and Rainham Marshes, two remarkable wetland reserves in the city. What might we identify in the Spring during these 2 outdoor guided walks? </p><p>London has some of the best urban wetland nature reserves in the world. In this course, we’ll explore two contrasting, but equally rewarding, wetland sites, learning about the common birds and other animals that live there, as well as the challenges of urban conservation.</p><p> </p><ul><li>Basic identification of common wildlife, especially wetland birds such as ducks, waders and raptors</li><li>Some introductory aspects of behaviour and ecology</li><li>Conservation – in particular the challenges of protecting wildlife in the densely populated city</li><li>The history of both sites, and how this relates to their value for wildlife</li><li>How to get involved yourself</li></ul><ul><li>Identify a number of common birds and mammals through direct observation</li><li>Understand some basic principles of animal behaviour and ecology, and how these impact wildlife conservation</li><li>Recognise some of the challenges inherent in conserving urban biodiversity</li><li>Develop skills that will enhance your enjoyment of wildlife in London’s parks and beyond</li></ul><p>This is an introductory course and is open to all. No prior knowledge of the subject is required. However, you will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course and participate fully in discussions. You will also need to be able to participate in a leisurely walk, sometimes along rough paths.</p><p>There will be two sessions in total, at Rainham Marshes and Walthamstow Wetlands. The walks will be at a slow pace with numerous stops for discussion and observing wildlife.</p><p>You will need to cover the cost of your transport to the meeting places for the walks. Wear comfortable clothing for walking, including sturdy footwear. Consider the weather on the day and bring a waterproof coat if required. Feel free to bring binoculars or a camera if you wish, but these are not required. The tutor will have binoculars and a spotting scope for wildlife observation.</p><p>HS329 Get Ready for the Dawn Chorus</p><p>HS347 The Birds of London </p>Science & natureHabitats, Ecology & the natural worldconfigurable
12461666Habitats, Ecology & the natural worldhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/technology-science-and-business/science-and-nature/habitats-ecology-and-conservation1/2/285/1211/1666/12461/Courses/Business, marketing & technology/Science & nature/Habitats, Ecology & the natural world
