Introductory Course: Wildlife Gardening for Beginners

We're excited to be able to offer this new, 8-week adult learning course introducing participants to wildlife friendly gardening. Developed by the Wildlife Trusts and available for the first time in Kent, this beginners course will cover the fundamentals of how to encourage and support wildlife in your garden through a combination of classroom and practical learning.

The course will be led by Ellen, Wild About Gardens Officer, and Jo, Nature Parks & Gardens Officer, with guest speakers on specialist subjects.

The course itself will broadly cover all aspects of what you can do to encourage and support wildlife in your garden. Topics will include the different types of habitats you can provide, building wildlife homes, looking after your soil and managing your garden for the long term.

A specific topic will be covered each week, through a classroom based session and a practical, outdoor activity such as testing soil, making a bug hotel or taking cuttings. Guest speakers will join individual classes to share their expertise on that week's topic, and participants will be asked to complete an intervention for wildlife linked to this topic in private study time. You'll also be asked to record your reflections on this intervention in a journal, in a format of your choosing (such as a scrap book or diary).

It is not necessary for you to have your own garden to complete the course, but you will need access to a garden that will enable you to complete your interventions. It could be a neighbour, friend or family member’s garden or a local community garden, and the course will cover ideas for all different sizes and types of outdoor space*.

On completion of the course and the journal, participants will receive a certificate from Kent Wildlife Trust. You'll also have the opportunity to display your journal as part of Tyland Barn's Open Garden event in July.

“Such a great course, so brilliantly delivered… so much knowledge and varied subjects. I really, really enjoyed this course and am very inspired.”
- Previous participant at Manx Wildlife Trust

Course details:

• This is an 8 week course with 20 hours contact time and 10 hours of private study.
• Classes will take place at Tyland Barn on Wednesday evenings, 6-8.30pm, from 30 April until 25 June (no class on Wed 28 May due to half-term).
• The cost for the full course is £250, with the option to pay a £60 non-refundable deposit followed by the balance on 23 April.
• The course is recommended for beginners, as it is intended to be an introduction to the subject. You may find it useful if you would like to make your own garden more wildlife friendly, or if you are a self-employed gardener interested in incorporating more wildlife friendly practices. Please see the course content below to give you an idea of whether the course will be suitable for your level.
• You'll need to attend at least 6 of the 8 classes and complete the journal project to gain your certificate.
• Certificates will be presented at Tyland Barn's Open Garden event on 26 July, where you'll also have the chance to display your journal if you wish.

Course content:

Week 1 (30 April): Introduction to Wildlife Gardening

Week 2 (7 May): Caring for your Soils

Week 3 (14 May): Ponds and Water

Week 4 (21 May): Garden Design

Week 5 (4 June): Plant Choices and Propogation

Week 6 (11 June): Lawns and Meadows

Week 7 (18 June): Welcoming Wildlife

Week 8 (25 June): Conclusions and Journal Presentations

*If you're keen to take part but are struggling to find a location, please get in touch to discuss the possibility of using Tyland Barn as your outdoor space!