Testimonials
Read what some of our participants and teachers thought of our course programme
I have found the whole journey of the BEES training and support a thoroughly interesting, illuminating, encouraging and worthwhile experience. As one of a wide range of students receiving the expertise of tutors across a wide range of Biodiversity, Ecological and Environmental subjects it has been really interesting and helped to deepen our knowledge of nature. All the leaders and trustees of BEES have been supportive and hard working in providing the online and hard copy materials to us as students and with their coordination, administration and support we have become more knowledgeable, skilled, and confident in being able to lead guided nature walks. I would thoroughly recommend the BEES course and the BEES leaders and trustees to prepare interested people to gain the skills, knowledge, and experience to become leaders of guided nature walks.
M. J. (May 2023)
The BEES course is a fantastic opportunity for those with an interest in natural history and conservation to take the next step in helping to educate and enthuse the general public to care for our precious surroundings. The course covers so many fascinating topics led by local experts. It is a fantastic initiative and one I’ve thoroughly enjoyed participating in.
G.G (May 2023)
I just wanted to tell you how excellent the BEES programme is and the level of organisation is outstanding. Thank you to you, Lee and all the team for your hard work.
L. C. (October 2021)
the course has been amazing and inspirational
D. H. (July 2021)
I would like to state how great the course has been, you have worked very hard to put this together and deliver it to all of us. The content has been above and beyond what I expected when I signed up. I have learnt a lot from this course, some topics were familiar to me, but others were completely new. The material is easily accessible, simple to follow, but also provides a lot of depth for those who want to explore further into the topics. I did not expect the course to be quite so long when I first signed up, however this has worked well for me, as I have been able to really take time to research and look into my guided walk. The skills I have picked up I am already using in my own work and projects! I am working for the Field Studies Council in Somerset, but also now delivering some of my own guided walks in my free time. Anyhow, a long message, but I wanted to let you know how great the course has been for me.
E.G. (December 2023)
Just to say how much George and I enjoyed yesterday's field trip at the Blickling Estate and thank you so much for the great packs Lee gave us. The booklets are fantastic and such a help. We are very grateful for your input, for us it's the start of a journey. A humble thank you for all your amazing work!
I. M. (October 2021)
I am so glad that I took on the role of Ornithology Tutor. I hadn’t realised at the time what a brilliant concept BEES was, but as I started to put my course together it became very clear what a well-designed and organised thing it is. Then there has been the development of the online learning platform, Moodle. The value of this during the pandemic was immense. Our lecture programme could go on online. It was great to see and interact with a dozen or so keen faces on my screen all wanting to spread word. It was even better later to be able to meet up with them all at NWT Cley. We spent a fruitful few hours discussing bird ID techniques and the importance of delivering to their audience interesting bird facts, and understanding how the birds and their environment are conserved. It was a huge pleasure yesterday to assess my first student carrying out her first walk at NWT Hickling. If we are training people to do such a good job at interpreting biodiversity, climate change, and conservation issues, then BEES is making a very significant contribution!
Dr David Horsley (May 2023)
I just wanted to say a huge thank you to you and Lee for organising an outstanding day yesterday. I can only guess how much preparation and planning went into it. It was such a treat on so many levels but the main one was to be able to meet up in person so that we could all share our passion, enthusiasm and joy for the natural world. Such a friendly and open bunch of people- a real tonic to the soul after the last year. Thank you for bringing us together. Please also extend my thanks to Tim who was a fun and laid- back expert who just enabled us to get the most out of the lovely setting (despite the weather). It’s amazing how much life there is out there to interpret to a group. Finally also a big thank you to the legend that is Prof Tom. I have wanted to do a course with him for as long as I can remember (so many people I know have had the privilege to work or study with him). He certainly didn’t disappoint! Mind-blowing is about the best way to describe the experience. I learned more in an hour and a half than I have done for years. The mark of an excellent teacher. So once again, a massive thank you to you all.