Coastal Ecology for Leaders
Explore rocky shores at extreme low tide, guided by professionals.
Course Details
This Coastal Ecology for Leaders course has evolved from our popular Coastal Foraging walk into something a little more adventurous and in depth, with the opportunity for more hands-on identification and exploration of Anglesey’s rocky shoreline.
This 3-4 hour long practical course is ideal for anyone leading groups of all types in the outdoors, taking you through the fundamentals of coastal systems and safety to hands-on identification of coastal species and the basics of coastal foraging.
This course offers the opportunity to see an even greater variety of coastal wildlife than usual as the tides drop even lower than usual on these dates, exposing more of the intertidal zone. Led by experienced instructors, we’ll look at identifying a range of seaweeds, molluscs, crustaceans, and plants specific to the coastline of the UK and you’ll learn useful skills for planning coastal activities, such as understanding tides, recognising zonation and the application of this knowledge. You’ll also gain confidence with identification techniques, and cover the basics of foraging laws and ethics.
With over fifteen years of running outdoor courses, Wild Food People are dedicated to providing an informative experience. Join us to gain practical skills, deepen your knowledge of coastal ecosystems, and connect with North Wales’ diverse shoreline.
Course Content
- Examples of common seaweeds and molluscs, and where you are likely to find them
- Identification tips, recommendations for ID guides and foraging books
- An explanation about the laws regarding access and what you can and cannot pick/gather whether that be for further studying or food
- Information about how to lead groups in coastal environments safely
- Post-course notes sent out by email following the course
Course Venue
The Coastal Ecology for Leaders Course from Wild Food People takes place on Anglesey in North Wales, details of the exact location will be sent to you course attendees a couple of weeks before the course date.
We will meet near a pay and display public car park where there are public toilets and from there walk down onto the beach.
Please note that the map below is only to show the general area – full joining instructions and meeting point will be sent out by email a few weeks before the course commences.
*Wild Food People reserves the right to change the exact location of this course – this would likely be to a nearby and more interesting beach based upon our pre-course visits which highlight damage caused by winter storms.
Experienced Instructors
Professional foragers and qualified leaders who are active in ecology and conservation – and passionate about wild food.
Connection to Landscape
We aim to bring our clients closer to the landscape around them through food, culture and engaging education.
Ecological Commitment
A portion of every course place purchased is reinvested back into the management of the natural habitats where we run our courses.
2025 Course Dates
Sunday 30th March 2025 (4pm) – Fully Booked
To book a place for this course, please select the relevant option in the secure booking link.
Secure Online Booking
Booking is available via the button below – it will take you to a secure booking portal run by TicketTailor.
Gift Vouchers
Places on the the Coastal Foraging for Leaders course from Wild Food People can be purchased as a gift voucher, which will be valid for 12 months.
Gift Vouchers are available as a personalised e-voucher or as a printed voucher posted to you or the recipient.
If you have any questions please get in touch.
FAQs
What do I need to bring?
There is no special equipment necessary for this entry-level course, however we ask that you are prepared for the weather of the day and walking for 3 hours along a beach and exploring rocky outcrops and pools.
Check the forecast before coming out and dress appropriately.
We recommend that you bring with you:
- Wellies or trainers/walking boots which you don’t mind getting wet and/or sandy
- Suitable warm and/or waterproof layers for the weather forecast that day
- Bottle of water and maybe a snack
- Notepad and pen/pencil
How fit do I need to be?
The course lasts 3 hours and we cover a distance of about 1 mile with standing stops to talk about the species we come across and different aspects of coastal ecology. The terrain varies from rough footpath through to beach with some scrambling over some rocks.
Will we be foraging for things to take home with us?
During the course we will talk about 15-20 different species and you will learn how to take your visits to the coast to the next level through the use of appropriate guidebooks and sources of information, we will talk about a few edible species and you can of course visit nearby and put your foraging skills into action straight after the course.
Can I bring a dog?
Some of the beaches which we use to deliver our Coastal courses do allow dogs but there are often bans put in place during the summer months. If dogs are allowed and you decide to bring your four-legged friend along then we ask that you keep it close by and under control at all times during the course, it will also need to be well behaved, with both humans and other dogs around. This course involves a lot of stopping and talking, rather than being a continuous walk so please bear this in mind.
Let us know if you are bringing your dog! You are responsible for your own dog at all times.
What time does this course begin?
The course start times are planned to coincide with the tide and start times are listed next to each date when you book - they will also be in the joining instructions that are emailed out to you.
We ask that participants are ready to depart from the meeting point at the advertised time to ensure that everyone gets the most out of the course.
Do I need to bring any food and drink?
The course lasts for 3 hours and we will be away from the cars for this time, we recommend that you bring a bottle of water with you for the duration, and any snacks that you may require.
Are there any toilets on site?
There are public toilets at some of the locations where we run our Coastal Foraging Courses, this detail will be included in the Joining Instructions sent to attendees in the run up to the course taking place.
Is this course suitable for me?
If you have any concerns or questions then please contact us and we can discuss this with you. By booking a place on this course (for yourself or others) you/they are agreeing to our terms and conditions and that you/they are physically capable of safely attending this course which takes place on tracks, slopes and often unprepared ground.
Private and Bespoke
This course is also available for private and group bookings, as well as corporate days and events.
We can host the course at one of several venues in North East Wales, or travel to a suitable venue of your choice.
Please contact us for more information.
We work with nature.
We deliver expert foraging and wild food training as part of our wider work managing habitats in North Wales.
Every single one of our courses and events feeds back into improving those habitats, helping to provide healthy ecosystems for our local wildlife and communities.