About Us
GCN Training
We are delighted to announce that GCN Training Ltd will again run its highly regarded and popular two-day Great Crested Newt (GCN) training courses on seven dates during March / April 2026. Each course will be led by James Grundy and based at the Olive Grove Conference Centre in Nantwich, Cheshire. The practical field work elements of the training will be undertaken at the neighboring GCN mitigation site ponds. Each course will be limited to 12 delegates and will provide the opportunity to gain unrivalled ‘hands on’ experience with the adults of all three native UK newt species, their eggs and larvae. The course includes access to long term support from respected GCN experts and is intended for professional consultant ecologists in particular early career ecologists, university graduates and those working to secure their GCN survey licence or seeking opportunities in the ecology / conservation sectors. Early booking is advised to secure preferred course dates. Book Here
We are also pleased to announce that, in collaboration with Celtic Rewilding, we will be delivering for the first time a new one-day UK Non-Native Amphibian Identification Training Course. The course will run on only three dates during February / March 2026 at the Olive Grove Conference Centre in Nantwich, Cheshire. The course will be led by Harvey Tweats and will provide delegates with the opportunity to engage directly with experienced non-native amphibian species specialists and interact ‘close up and hands on’ with a variety of live specimens including Alpine Newt, Italian Crested Newt, Marbled Newt, Marsh Frog, Midwife Toad, European Tree Frog and the Northern Pool Frog. This unique course is expected to be very popular with consultant ecologists. Given delegate places are limited early booking is advised to secure preferred course dates.
Detailed course itineraries, dates and cost can be viewed on the booking page.
To discuss other or specific bespoke training requirements please do not hesitate to contact us directly on ✆ 07943723935
Newts in your Pond and Garden - Second Edition
Has been written and published by James Grundy who, after nearly twenty years as a professional consultant ecologist and a lifetimes involvement with amphibian related projects, is widely regarded and respected as an authority on our native newt species, in particular, the great crested newt. This second edition of his book and is a ‘must have’ and the perfect gift for anyone with an interest in the subject.
Newt Identification Cards
These downloadable identification cards are a free resource for ecologists & others who undertake ‘in field’ identification of adult newts, their eggs/leaf folds, larvae, and sub-adults. Each of the three sets available comprises eight cards annotated with the key identification features of our three UK newt species!
GREAT CRESTED NEWT SURVEY & MITIGATION GUIDELINES 2025
Great Crested Newt Survey & Mitigation Guidelines 2025
It has been 25 years since the original GCN mitigation guidelines were written and published. It is generally accepted that they are in need of updating. We are therefore pleased to present the Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines 2025.