FBA Training Courses

Join the specialists and discover freshwater plants and animals. Participate on our training days and learn to identify and understand freshwater life. 

The FBA offers a range of courses specially developed for enthusiasts and professionals.

Tutored by some of the top experts in their fields, these courses aim to equip you with the skills and confidence to sample and identify freshwater organisms, and provide you with key field and laboratory experience. 

All scientific equipment is provided and participants will use FBA specialist identification keys and guides as well as other relevant literature. 

FBA members receive discounts on course fees.  Membership starts from as little as £20.00 for a student or £35.00 for an individual.  Why not take the opportunity to receive all membership benefits and be eligible for the discounted rate on FBA courses, events and services?

To download a membership form, please click here.

The FBA has over 75 years of experience in research and education so you can be assured of the best possible level of teaching and quality of information. Except where stated, these courses will take place at one of the FBA’s sites with full access to scientific equipment and fieldwork locations.

Early bird rates apply to fees paid at least eight weeks before the start of the course.

We are committed to supporting freshwater recording and therefore a concessionary 10% reduction on full course fees is applied for freshwater recorders and employees of environmental NGO's. Please contact us before booking to find out if the concessionary rate applies to you.

Please note that only one discount can be applied to a course fee at any one time.

For further information please contact events@fba.org.uk

» To download the course programme, please click here – PDF-File, 489.1 KB

Booking a course

If you are interested in attending one of our courses, please click on the link below to download a booking form. This can be returned by post to the address shown below or emailed to us at events@fba.org.uk 

If sending the form by email, you should omit credit card details for security reasons, and phone these through separately, as we cannot guarantee a secure connection.

Training Courses
The Freshwater Biological Association
The Ferry Landing
Far Sawrey
Ambleside
Cumbria
LA22 0LP

» To download a booking form, please click here – DOC-File, 127.5 KB

To find information on travel, directions and accommodation, please click here.

Other Freshwater Training Course Providers

Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM)

IEEM provide training in practical field and survey methods, and  specific methodologies for particular species. The Workshop Programme is now available from the website. 

Field Studies Council (FSC)

If you are interested in a longer course, the FSC offers a number of five day courses at several of its field centres across the UK. More information is available from the website.