Snakes in the Heather (SitH) - Reptile Survey Training Events Information

We run SitH Reptile Survey Training Events both online and in the classroom and they are an introduction to reptile ecology and survey skills useful for observing reptiles in the UK. 

There is a special emphasis on ARC’s flagship Snakes in the Heather (SitH) project and is aimed at anyone interested in becoming a ‘Reptile Surveyor’ to help us find the elusive smooth snake on the heathlands of southern England. View the ‘SitH Reptile Surveyor Journey’ here. These events are also intended for partner organisation staff who are supporting the SitH project.

These events are also suitable for:

  • Anyone interested in taking part in other ARC projects and ARC volunteering activities throughout the UK (and/or those of our partner conservation organisations), including the ARC National Reptile Survey. 
  • Existing ARC and partner organisation volunteers who have been previously trained in reptile survey fieldcrafts and would like a refresher.
  • Reasons of personal development or general interest for anyone working in the conservation sector or studying a conservation or environmental based course.

Typical training agenda:

  • Introductions: why reptile survey?
  • Reptile identification
  • Reptile ecology
  • Quiz
  • Survey methodologies
  • Q&A and next steps
  • Reptile survey (on site - classroom events only)

When and where:

Events usually take place between February and August each year. The classroom events take place at venues in Devon, Dorset and Surrey.

Booking:

To receive SitH project updates and invitations to take part in such training events, please complete the ARC Registration Form if you have not done so already, or email: [email protected]


Additional information:

A SitH Reptile Survey Training Event is an essential first step for anybody wishing to become a Snakes in the Heather Reptile Surveyor. Due to the strict legal protection of some species you may see on this project, all SitH project Reptile Surveyors must be appropriately licenced to survey. ARC is able to accredit surveyors who have an appropriate level of knowledge and field skills to its organisational protected species survey licence. Beyond this introductory training we offer SitH project participants additional field based training and survey mentoring (arranged in small groups or on a one-to-one basis).

The Snakes in the Heather Team

Snakes in the Heather

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