Wildlife courses
Adult Learning
Secret World Wildlife Rescue is a respected source of expertise and centre of excellence where British wildlife can receive the best care. We are happy to share this knowledge with anyone who wishes to learn more about wildlife and caring for wild animals. We offer a variety of courses for members of the public and wildlife rehabilitators. We also offer professional courses for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses.
Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release courses
Our Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release courses are suitable for anyone (over the age of 18), of any standard or experience, who has an interest in wildlife. These four courses are currently run virtually (online using Zoom) as half day (4hr) events. It is possible to attend the courses ‘live’ or as a recorded presentation, sent to registered delegates and accessible for a limited time after the course. In order to ensure the best experience for all delegates we ask that everyone attends Course 1 before booking on to courses 2, 3 or 4. Those attending the courses online will also be able to attend a practical session to support their learning – we will send out an invite to these and there will be a charge of £60 (or concessionary rates) for the whole day. Those attending all four online courses and the practical day will receive the SWWR Certificate in Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release and a badge. Those attending just the online courses will receive an electronic certificate for each course. As an extra incentive, those attending any of the online courses will also receive a voucher for £10 off the SWWR ‘Introduction to Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation’ (one voucher redeemable per book purchased).
Please note that if you are unable to attend the course live but would still like access to the recording and follow up resources at another time this can be purchased separately by emailing Learning@secretworld.org
Species-specific courses
We are very excited to be able to launch our new species-specific wildlife rehabilitation courses. These courses are aimed at those who have already completed our Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release Courses and/or have some other existing knowledge of rehabilitation of a specific species. These courses include, hedgehogs, badgers, foxes and garden birds. These courses will be run virtually (online using Zoom) as half day (4hr) events, with an option to attend ‘live’ or for registered delegates to view as a time limited recording. Each course will be presented by SWWR Animal care staff with veterinary input from our Scientific Advisor and vet – please note no specific drug doses or treatments will be included in these courses, as they are not aimed at veterinary professionals. Those attending will receive an electronic certificate, as well as relevant open access scientific papers and other supporting electronic information.
Please note that if you are unable to attend the course live but would still like access to the recording and follow up resources at another time this can be purchased separately by emailing Learning@secretworld.org
Veterinary courses
Our course for veterinary professionals (qualified veterinary surgeons, registered veterinary nurses and students of those disciplines) is usually run twice a year Spring and Autumn. The next course is on Sunday 30th April 2023 onsite at Secret World Wildlife Rescue in East Huntspill. For more information please head to the event at the bottom of this page.
We are also happy to organise CPD for veterinary practices – contact learning@secretworld.org
Working with Wildlife (14-19yr course)
Our course for 14-19yr olds is ideal for anyone with an interest in learning more about British Wildlife or those wanting to study ecology, conservation or veterinary science. The three day short course offers an introduction to treating British Wildlife, caring and treating for British Wildlife and readying British species for release.
Those attending the course will receive a printed certificate in SWWR Working with Wildlife. As an extra incentive, those attending will also receive a voucher for £10 off the SWWR ‘Introduction to wildlife rescue and rehabilitation’ book.
The next course is 26th-28th July 2023 on site at Secret World Wildlife Rescue, please head to the event at the bottom of this page for more information.
SWWR Conference
Our annual ‘Caring for Wildlife’ Conference returned for its 4th year in 2023. The two days covered all aspects of wildlife conservation, rehabilitation and release. The conference took place at East Huntspill village hall and included talks on the ethics of research into marine mammals, studies into antimicrobial resistance in wildlife and trauma in large animals. The weekend concluded with a discussion on what we can do to make wildlife rehabilitation and release better. Keep your eyes peeled here for the dates of our 2024 conference.
Explore your passion for wildlife, check out the dates and course details below and book your place today.
“The course was very informative on a wide range of topics, giving a broad overview of the subject. It was well structured, with a clear program and plenty of little breaks – very easy to follow, knowing what’s going on at any moment. The online format worked very well for me, I was able to take lots of notes and easily organise them, thanks to the clear visual presentations. The pace was great, too – neither rushed, nor dragged-out; I was able to note down all the sub-topics that are more relevant to my interests as the sessions were progressing, so I know what to delve deeper into.”
“It was amazing to see the passion coming through from each and every presenter, an absolute honour to attend this great event!”
“The course was fantastic, very informative and just what we need to help us plan and deliver our badger walk’s in the summer. I would highly recommend Secret World to everyone interested in gaining up to date knowledge and understanding of Badgers. Very good value for money also. Brilliant afternoon all round, Thank you”
