Wildlife Tracking with Dan Puplett

Together with Dan Puplett, naturalist and educator of a range of nature-based skills, we will look in detail at track and sign left by a range of birds, mammals, amphibians and invertebrates. Tracking develops our ability to observe subtle details and connect them to landscape-scale patterns.

You will build confidence in sign recognition and interpretation while learning practical applications of tracking for conservation and education, as well as simple enjoyment of the natural world. We will explore how tracking can enhance our understanding of the wider ecosystem by drawing upon many different aspects of natural history.

During the week we will cover:

• Track identification methods

• Sign recognition – (including feeding sign, footprints, droppings etc)

• Gait interpretation and reading animal behaviour

• Ecology through the lens of tracking

• Observation, deduction and sensory awareness exercises

• Track traps, tracing and casts

• Trailing and wildlife observation

• Identifying and analysing skulls, bones and feathers

• Understanding foot morphology

• Interpreting bird calls and behaviour as an aid to tracking

• Mapping and journaling