NATURE & WILDLIFE ‘The art of seeing’
Level 1
This course is aimed at increasing knowledge of mammals, birds, plants and related topics.
The focus of 'Level 1' is on recognising and identifying species.
Under the guidance of specialists, we will visit various areas and biotopes in the Netherlands during eight days in winter, spring, and summer. We will also spend five days in the Bialowieza primeval forest in Poland.
We also use a digital learning environment.
The login code will be sent to you.
The Online course Flora & Fauna is included
This training has existed since 2013 and is organised every year
The exact times will be posted on the website well in advance. Participants will receive full information the week before the training.
During the Voshaar days, we will visit various biotopes in the Achterhoek and Twente regions (forests, stream valleys, cultural landscapes, heathland, and peatlands). Overnight stays (tents, etc.) are available at our location. Exact times and meeting points will be communicated in advance by email.
At the beginning of March, students will receive the participant list and additional information.
Mammals, plants, and birds are featured in every day of the course. On certain days, specific topics are highlighted.
Throughout the year, the Berkelland Bird Working Group organizes excursions throughout the Netherlands. Participants are welcome until December 31st of the academic year.
Dates:
Bird working group website
Data 2026
March 14-15 Voshaar Saturday 1:00 PM – Sunday 1:00 PM
April 25-26 Oostvaardersplassen and Veluwe Saturday (Veluwe) 1 p.m. – Sunday (OVP) 3 p.m. (camping costs €10 to €15 per person)
May 2-3 Voshaar Saturday 1:00 PM – Sunday 1:00 PM
11-15 May Bialowieza Info: Bialowieza, Poland – VoshaarOutdoor.com
June 6-7 Voshaar Friday 8pm – Saturday 1pm – Sunday 1pm
June 21 Exam 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Dates 2027
March 13-14
April 24-25
May 1-2
May 10-14 Bialowieza, Poland
June 5-6
June 20 Exam
In Poland, we'll visit the Białowieża Forest and its surrounding area. Wolves, moose, bison, and lynx are just some of the animals we'll be looking for. The Polish countryside is also home to a wealth of bird species, including the black stork and the lesser spotted eagle. In 2023, we observed 153 bird species.
Course topics:
Birds
Mammals
Habitat and area analysis
Increasing chances (how and where do I have the best chance of finding certain species)
Tracking
Flora
Insects (basic)
Fishing (basic)
Amphibians and reptiles (basic)
Types of monitoring and reporting
Participants must be in reasonable physical condition. Considerable distances will be covered on foot.
Overnight stays in Bialowieza cost around €45 per person per day, bed and breakfast.
We reserve the sleeping location
Transportation by means of 'carpooling'.
Participants must provide the following materials:
-Binoculars
– Sleeping bag and mat
- Tent (or similar) for overnight stays at the Voshaar
– Good clothing and footwear
– Daypack (20 to 30 liters is sufficient)
– Field guide to birds, mammals and flora
– GSM
– Personal first aid kit
Complete the training with the 'Nature & Wildlife Guide Level 1' certificate‘
– Presence of at least 80%, including the trip to Bialowieza.
-Theory exam: Exam on nature and species knowledge
(bring laptop/tablet or smartphone)
Minimum score 70% average on the components
1- Birds
2- Bird sounds
3- European mammals
4- Flora NL
5- General:
– Biotopes, distribution, locations.
– Animal tracks
– Bialowieza
– Other species such as butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies, fish, reptiles and amphibians.
There is one resit opportunity if you do not pass the theory exam.
– Monitoring project of a specific area, for example a kilometer block: Survey a kilometer block (near you) for animal and plant species.
– Logbook / species report of the trip abroad including
a- Observed species
b- locations
Submit before December 31 of the academic year.
Of course, it's also possible to take the course without intending to graduate as a guide. The knowledge of nature and the experience gained during the course can be reason enough to enroll.
Costs
‘'Nature & Wildlife Guide Level 1: €800 pp
(excluding travel expenses, food, drinks, overnight stays outside the Voshaar, insurance and any entrance fees to National Parks, etc.)
Maximum number of participants: 10
(excluding MBO and Wilderness Total participants)
Course leader Raoul Kluivers (born 1969) is an expert in birds, mammals, and tracking. His passion for nature has been with him since childhood. In the early 1980s, at the age of 13, he began participating in projects such as bird and mammal monitoring. Since 2006, he has been in Canada annually as a Professional Interpretive Hiking Guide in the Rocky Mountain National Parks.
Course material
Sometimes a login is required. Students will receive this upon registration.
English (Canada) 
Nederlands 
Français 
Español