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Do you love walking in the mountains or by the sea, but find you can’t put a name to the different species you come across? Have you ever thought about taking a nature study course? There are courses available for both beginners and experienced participants, designed to build a foundation in the main fields of nature study such as ornithology, botany and entomology.
The courses listed below also develop cross-disciplinary naturalist skills: taking field notes; using naturalist databases; inventory techniques…
Our partner also offers a certification scheme as well as comprehensive pathways for future professional naturalists. All the courses here
Nature study course in the Ecrins National Park in the Alps
Our partner NGO organises several nature study courses in the famous Écrins region of the Alps. This mountainous environment, which is particularly rich in biodiversity, offers you the opportunity to study mountain forests, unspoilt valleys and alpine pastures. The courses take place mainly in the Écrins National Park. Several sessions are organised, each with its own specific focus. These courses are versatile. The aim is to build a solid grounding in natural history through ornithology, botany and entomology. During the courses, you will record the names of the animal and plant species you encounter throughout the week. This information is collated in a database.
Nature study course in the Hautes-Alpes in winter
Discover the Écrins National Park in the depths of winter and learn more about how to recognise animal tracks, particularly in the snow. Winter is also the ideal time to identify birds by their calls, as there are fewer species around during this season. Snowshoe excursions in the field provide an opportunity to spot mountain ungulates, as these animals avoid high altitudes in winter and are therefore easier to spot. This course is designed to be accessible to beginners – with no prior knowledge required – whilst also being relevant for experienced naturalists.
Nature study course in the Hautes-Alpes, specifically for beginners
This course, designed especially for beginners, introduces you to all the main areas of natural history. The various topics and course content are tailored to your level, enabling you to acquire the basics in ornithology, botany and entomology, amongst other subjects. Set amidst the stunning landscapes of the Écrins National Park, you’ll be able to progress at your own pace, accompanied by an instructor who will be attentive to your needs.
Nature study course in the Hautes-Alpes in spring
Make the most of the explosion of biodiversity that takes place in the mountains in June to expand your knowledge! Mountain biodiversity is in full bloom this spring! Insects and birds are in full swing! This is the perfect opportunity, for both amateur and experienced naturalists alike, to explore the incredible diversity of habitats and species offered by this region of the Southern Alps, at the crossroads of continental, Mediterranean and mountain influences.
A special feature on large wildlife in the Hautes-Alpes
During the deer rutting season, this week-long training course will focus on the study of mammals, particularly large wildlife: deer, mountain ungulates and large predators (wolves, lynx). Field research will be carried out. You will study animal behaviour, identify their tracks and the various signs that indicate their presence, and analyse the interactions between predators and their prey. This course will also provide an introduction to, or further training in, the study of nocturnal birds of prey.
Nature study course on the Pink Granite Coast in Brittany
This course takes place on the Pink Granite Coast in Brittany, at the foot of the largest nature reserve on the French coast: the 7 Îles Nature Reserve. Here, you will observe exceptional biodiversity, including colonies of seabirds that are unique in France. The nature of the site means the course will focus primarily on ornithology, but will also cover the specific flora and fauna of the seashore (including the study of seaweed, crustaceans and molluscs). The course includes field sessions and sailing trips. You’ll set out to explore colonies of northern gannets, Atlantic puffins, razorbills and other pelagic birds.
Nature study course in the Pyrenees: a special focus on birds of prey
Head into the heart of the Basque Country’s mountains, in the Pyrenees, to watch migratory birds. This course takes place on the border between the Basque Country and Béarn, in the town of Larrau in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques. You’ll be close to the famous Col d’Organbidexka, one of Europe’s most renowned sites for observing bird migration.
Any bird enthusiast will tell you that September is the month to be in Iraty. The very layout of the valleys creates a funnel through which all birds of prey migrating south in search of their wintering grounds pass. You’ll be in a prime location to observe this incredible migratory journey at close quarters. The course focuses on identifying birds of prey in flight.
Nature tours in the Camargue
Nature tours in the Camargue take place within what is known as the ‘biodiversity triangle’, renowned as one of the most biologically diverse areas in France. You’ll find yourself in a global biodiversity hotspot, with an exceptional variety of natural habitats: the Camargue wetlands, the garrigue and cliffs of the Alpilles, and the steppes of La Crau.
Nature study course in the Camargue in winter
This course focuses on ornithology and offers you the chance to gain an introduction to, or further your, knowledge of nature. It takes place in this remarkable natural environment, which welcomes thousands of wintering birds every winter. Ducks, common cranes… The focus will be on identifying birds associated with wetlands… Plants and insects will also be covered.
Nature study course in the Camargue in spring
This course takes place in the Camargue, at the heart of the ‘Golden Triangle of Biodiversity’, where you will discover exceptional biodiversity. Spring is the ideal time to learn about various fields such as ornithology, botany, entomology and herpetology. Part of your learning takes place in the field, within different ecosystems such as the Mediterranean lagoons, the garrigue of the Alpilles, the Crau steppes, the dunes, the marshes and the rice fields of the Camargue. These field trips are complemented by sessions in a small ‘laboratory’ in the heart of the Camargue.
Nature study course in the Camargue in autumn
Autumn is also an excellent time for nature-based activities in the Mediterranean region: whether it’s birdwatching (the height of the bird migration season), entomology (with a focus on grasshoppers and dragonflies) or botany (autumn blooms, grasses), the end of summer has more than one treasure up its sleeve!
Specialised high-altitude mountaineering training in Switzerland
This course takes you high up into the mountains, at the heart of the ‘Imperial Crown’ in the Swiss Alps! A week at the summit, discovering flora and fauna adapted to high altitudes: from alpine pastures with their uniquely rich flower-filled meadows to high-altitude rocky outcrops teeming with very distinctive species… The team will guide you in your nature exploration as you make new discoveries, whatever your starting level!
Training courses suitable for everyone
One-to-one training
Each course can be taken on an individual basis. All you need to do is register. You will be guided in choosing the course that best suits your needs.
The series of nine training courses
This programme allows you to take part in the nine nature study courses in France and Switzerland. You can spread them out over three years.
The Naturalist University
Spread over the course of a year, you will complete the nine training courses. Between courses, you will take part in supervised projects. An advisor will support you throughout your programme.
Special mountain cycle
Mountain enthusiasts and professionals can enrol on five training courses taking place in the Pyrenees and the Alps. These can be spread over two or three years.
How can we promote training?
The partner NGO offers those who wish to do so the opportunity to sit a certification exam in naturalist skills in the fields of ornithology, botany and entomology. This certification, which is organised by level and by naturalist discipline, will lead to the award of a ‘certificate of naturalist skills’ as well as an ‘Open Badge’ detailing the body of knowledge and associated skills. These certificates will enable you to demonstrate the naturalist knowledge and technical skills you have acquired during these training courses.
About our partner NGO
The partner NGO holds Special Consultative Status with the UN (ECOSOC) and is a member of the AAAS Science and Human Rights Coalition. Specialising in science trips, science and participatory research, the NGO believes that education is the driving force behind the Sustainable Development Goals. It offers a range of participatory science trips for both adults and children.
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