Course curriculum

  • 1

    Welcome to the Course

  • 2

    Module 1: Introduction

    • Welcome and onboarding session

    • Welcome Zoom Meeting Recording September 2021

    • Toolbox - Module 1

    • The role of a consultant ecologist

    • What is it like to work for an ecological consultancy?

    • Introducing the consultant ecologist skills wheel

    • Submit your skills wheel

    • Module 1 Quiz

    • Module 1 Feedback
  • 3

    Module 2: Essential and Desirable Skills and Knowledge

    • Why preparation is key in developing your career

    • Beginners mindset

    • Essential and desirable entry level and onward skills and knowledge

    • The Future of Skills

    • Goal setting

    • Toolbox - Module 2

    • Module 2 Quiz

    • Submit your career plan

    • Modules 1 & 2 Live Discussion Session - September 2021

    • Recording of Modules 1 & 2 Q&A - 30 September 2021

    • Module 2 Feedback
  • 4

    Module 3: Mastering the Job Application Process

    • The important steps required to land a job as an ecological consultant

    • Creating a great CV

    • Creating a killer cover letter

    • Creating and maintaining an on-line profile

    • Toolbox - Module 3

    • Submit your CV for expert feedback

    • Module 3 Live Discussion Session - October 2021

    • Q&A Recording from 28 October 2021
  • 5

    Module 4: Closing the Skills and Knowledge Gap (PART 1)

    • Overview of what makes a good and great ecologist

    • Setting out reasons why and need for ecological appraisal

    • Legislation in the UK

    • Planning Policy in the UK

    • Introducing the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal

    • Linking impacts of a project to legislation implications

    • Survey limitations

    • Health, Safety and Wellbeing considerations

    • PEA - The Desk Study

    • Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey Methodology

    • UK Habitat Classification System Methodology

    • Assessment of Knowledge and Understanding of the PEA

    • Module 4 Live Discussion Session - November 2021
  • 6

    Module 5: Closing the Skills and Knowledge Gap (PART 2)

    • The importance of bat conservation in the UK

    • Bat licences in the UK

    • Potential bat roost features in buildings

    • Potential bat roost features in trees

    • Potential bat roost features in other structures

    • Introduction to the criteria used in categorising a potential bat roost

    • Negligible and Low Bat Roost Suitability

    • Moderate Bat Roost Suitability

    • High Bat Roost Suitability and Confirmed Bat Roost

    • Test your learning (Preliminary Bat Roost Assessment walk-through)

    • Introducing the ecological report

    • Getting the report right

    • Submit a 'mock' report for QA

    • Report writing - test your knowledge

    • Module 5 Live Discussion Session - December 2021
  • 7

    Module 6: How to Run a Successful Ecological Consultancy Practice

    • What's it like to be your own boss?

    • Business Mindset

    • Setting up the right business format

    • Business administration and finance

    • Marketing and Sales

    • People and Leadership

    • Submit your business plan (optional)

    • Submit your revised career plan

    • Module 6 Live Discussion Session and Farewell - January 2022
  • 8

    Final Messages

    • Congratulations!

    • Before you go...

    • Reading List

    • Onward support
Watch Intro Video

How this course benefitted me

Nairne McBeath

Social proof: testimonials

"Interesting and relevant"

Megan Knapp

I have thoroughly enjoyed partaking in the course. The modules in the course were interesting and relevant and were all separate. It was interesting to learn about the basics of what is needed to be an ecologist. My favourite module was module 3 which included the nitty gritty information such as bat roosting, PEA's and report writing. The course also covers planning policies, how to better your CV/cover letter and the essential and desirable skills to be an ecologist. We also have the opportunity to meet and speak (via zoom) to directors of other consultancies to see what they look for, what they expect from you and what it is like to work for them. I would recommend this course to people who are new to this sector and would like to widen their knowledge.

"I would definitely recommend this course"

Nairne McBeath

Overall this course provides valuable information concerning the before, during and after job application process. I would definitely recommend this course to like-minded individuals. The range of modules that are covered would suit a recent graduate, a junior ecologist, or someone who fancies a career change and wants to learn more about ecology from someone like Richard, whose expertise and breadth of knowledge within the ecology sector is exceptional.

"This course will put you on the right path"

Guy Ostler

To cut a long story short, this course has provided me with a roadmap with which to gain a career in ecological consultancy. When I started the course, I barely knew where to start as regards building skills that an employer would desire. Now, after taking the course, I feel I have a 'direction' to travel in, and have a focussed, targeted plan to put into action. An excellent course that I would hugely recommend to anybody looking to start a career in ecological consultancy.

"Wonderful grounding"

Chris Rhodes

This provided a wonderful grounding for understanding what is required to gain a role in ecological consultancy and how to do a good job once that goal is achieved.

Instructor(s)

Director

Richard Dodd

I have worked as a professional ecologist since 2000 within the public, voluntary and private sectors. I'm Managing Director and Principal Consultant at Wildwood Ecology, an Award Winning 'purpose-led' Certified B Corporation company. I'm also a Chartered Ecologist and full member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).