Date: 24th September 2026
Course Length: 1 day
Knowledge Level: Beginner to intermediate

This introductory course will provide you with the skills and knowledge on how to undertake surveys for hazel dormice.

The course is part classroom and part field-based.

CIEEM Continuing Professional Development Hours (CPD) – 6

Training Courses and Natural England Licence Applications

Our training courses are designed to support ecologists working towards protected species survey licences, including dormice, great crested newts and bats, by teaching the skills and providing evidence required to support licence applications.

All licensing authorities assess applications on a case-by-case basis. Attendance on a training course does not guarantee the granting of a licence, and applicants remain responsible for ensuring they meet the licensing requirements in place at the time of application. Please check licensing authority websites for the latest requirements, which are summarised below.

Natural England do not endorse or formally approve individual training courses. However, Natural England’s published guidance states that applicants may submit a training course certificate as part of their supporting evidence when applying for a licence, provided the course and certificate meet the published requirements, as below.

“A training course certificate may, in some survey licence applications, be used in place of one written reference where Natural England’s published criteria are met. Additional evidence and/or references may still be required depending on the licence type, activities being applied for and applicant circumstances.”

Richard Green Ecology courses and certificates are structured to align with these published requirements, including:
• Species identification training
• Practical training in the relevant survey techniques
• Provision of a course certificate including the delegate’s name, course title and content, course date, and trainer’s name and signature
• Training designed to support applicants in demonstrating recent practical competency

Please note that if used as supporting evidence, certificates must have been issued within the previous three years.

Natural Resources Wales assess licence applications on a case-by-case basis. Training courses and certificates may form part of the evidence submitted in support of a licence application, but applicants are normally expected to demonstrate appropriate practical experience and competency relevant to the activities they wish to undertake.

NatureScot require references and evidence of competence as part of licence applications. NatureScot do not endorse or formally approve individual training courses. However, they recognise that training courses can provide valuable evidence of species identification skills, survey competency and continuing professional development when applying for protected species licences.