Exploring Nature Through Learning:

My Journey with FSC Courses

By Hannelie (Christina) Coetzee

My interest in the natural world and conservation has grown significantly over the past four years. My husband and I joined our local natural history society and bird-watching group, and in 2022, I was selected for the Nextdoor Nature Programme through the Scottish Wildlife Trust. This programme empowers individuals to take action for nature within their communities. In my search for more knowledge, I discovered the BRISC/GNHS bursary and was fortunate to be selected as a recipient last year. This bursary allowed me to register for five FSC courses, which ran at different times throughout the year. I primarily focused on online courses, as they suited my schedule best.

The first course I took was a four-week introductory course on QGIS in the context of environmental information. QGIS is a geographic information system (GIS) software that enables users to create maps and analyse geographic data. The course was highly technical, and navigating the software was sometimes challenging. However, the tutor provided excellent support, given the diverse technical issues experienced by the learners. After all, software doesn’t always work as expected! The course reinforced how valuable GIS is for monitoring environmental data.

Three out of the five courses I selected focused on birds:

  • Discovering Garden Birds

  • Bird Field Skills

  • Discovering Seabirds: Identification, Ecology, and Conservation

Each course included practical assignments. What I particularly enjoyed about the "Discovering Garden Birds" course was the tutor’s encouragement to spend time in our garden, listening to birds and writing down mnemonics—phrases that help associate bird songs with memorable words. Another assignment involved sketching birds by hand, which I initially found intimidating since I am not skilled at drawing. However, I learned that perfection wasn’t the goal; rather, it was about the process of observation and engagement. Since then, I have found some excellent online videos on how to sketch birds.

In the "Bird Field Skills" course, I learned to identify the different parts of a bird, which is something that is much harder than it sounds! I also gained insights into various bird habitats and how they influence species distribution.

The "Discovering Seabirds" course was probably my favourite. It had a strong focus on the conservation and protection of seabirds, an area I am particularly passionate about. Identifying seabirds is quite challenging, but the course provided valuable techniques to improve my skills.

The fifth course, "Discovering Tracks and Signs," was fun and interactive. Searching for animal tracks and signs in nature felt like rediscovering a part of myself that had been long dormant. It was a deeply engaging experience that strengthened my connection to the natural world.

In conclusion, these courses brought me immense joy, deepened my connection with nature, and expanded my knowledge in ways I hadn’t expected. I am grateful for the opportunity to have participated in them and look forward to continuing my journey in conservation and wildlife observation.