Natural History Recording and the Art of Noticing

Course Detail

Begin the day in the Seedpod with tea and coffee, followed by an engaging indoor session introducing the tools and techniques used to observe and identify wildlife with confidence.

You will be guided through a range of practical resources, from field guides and identification keys to digital apps and online recording platforms, helping you understand how to use them effectively and reliably.

As your confidence grows, the focus will turn to the wider purpose of Natural History recording. You’ll explore why accurate records matter and the vital role individuals can play in building a clearer picture of biodiversity and environmental change.

After lunch, weather permitting, the learning will move outdoors. A guided walk through the grounds of Heligan will offer the opportunity to put your new skills into practice, observing closely, identifying species and recording your findings in real time. By the end of the day, you’ll have gained both the practical know-how and the wider context needed to continue recording wildlife with purpose and confidence.

About Will Hawkes

Will Hawkes is an insect research scientist, photographer and storyteller. He grew up in the wilds of Northeast Wales surrounded by the natural world and moved down to Cornwall ten years ago to begin his academic journey. Through his research into migratory insects, he has worked all over the world learning their stories and behaviours.
 
Will adores insects, they have given him so much in this life and his main aim is to give something back to them. Inspiring people to share his passion for these tiny lives is the most important thing for him as it leads to more understanding and then on to the hopeful protection of these remarkable little animals. 

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