Everything you need to know about the Field Studies Council. Explore residential field trips, geography and biology fieldwork, environmental science courses, ecology and conservation, outdoor learning, bushcraft, freshwater and coastal studies, woodland ecology, climate change education, biodiversity training, species identification, GCSE and A-Level fieldwork, and how to support the FSC charitable mission.
Explore the Guide
The Field Studies Council (FSC) is one of the United Kingdom's most respected environmental education charities, established in 1943. For over seven decades, the organisation has been connecting people with nature through unforgettable outdoor learning experiences. Whether you are a student preparing for GCSE or A-Level fieldwork, a teacher seeking professional development, a university researcher conducting environmental surveys, or a family looking for an enriching holiday, the FSC offers courses and resources that inspire a deeper understanding of the natural world.
With a network of residential and day centres across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the FSC provides expert-led fieldwork in geography, biology, environmental science, ecology, geology and beyond. The charity's mission — to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to experience, understand and care for the natural environment — drives every course, publication and partnership it undertakes.
This comprehensive 2026 guide covers every aspect of the Field Studies Council's work, from its founding principles and history to its current programmes in climate change education, sustainability, bushcraft and species identification. Whether you are new to the FSC or a long-time supporter, this guide will help you discover the full breadth of opportunities available through this remarkable organisation.
The FSC works in close partnership with schools, universities, local authorities, conservation charities, research organisations and government agencies to deliver high-quality environmental education. Its programmes are designed not only to impart knowledge but also to nurture skills, attitudes and values that support environmental stewardship and sustainable living. The organisation's impact extends far beyond the individuals who attend its courses, influencing educational practice, conservation policy and public understanding of the natural environment across the UK and internationally. By 2026, the FSC continues to expand its reach through innovative digital resources, new centre developments and strategic partnerships that bring outdoor learning opportunities to increasingly diverse audiences.
Image suggestion: Students conducting fieldwork with FSC tutors in a woodland environment, clipboards and sampling equipment visible, wearing outdoor clothing and waterproofs.
Chapter 1
What Is the Field Studies Council?
The Field Studies Council (FSC) is an environmental education charity registered in England and Wales, founded in 1943 with a clear mission: to provide everyone with the opportunity to experience, understand and care for the natural environment. Operating across the United Kingdom, the FSC manages a network of residential and day centres in some of the most biologically and geologically diverse locations in the country. From the limestone pavements of the Yorkshire Dales to the Jurassic cliffs of Dorset, from the ancient woodlands of the Weald to the rugged coastlines of Pembrokeshire and the Scottish Highlands, each centre offers direct access to remarkable outdoor classrooms. The charity employs expert tutors — many with postgraduate qualifications in their fields — who design and deliver programmes for schools, universities, families and professional groups.
Image suggestion: Participants engaged in what is the field studies council? activities at an FSC centre, surrounded by the natural landscape.
Chapter 2
History of the Field Studies Council
The Field Studies Council was founded in 1943 during the Second World War, a time when the need for people to understand and connect with the British landscape was becoming increasingly apparent. The organisation was established by a group of forward-thinking educators and scientists who recognised that traditional classroom teaching could not adequately convey the complexities of the natural world. They believed that direct experience of the environment — feeling the soil, observing the wildlife, measuring the landscape — was essential for proper understanding. The first FSC centre opened at Flatford Mill in Suffolk in 1946, the very same mill building that had inspired the painter John Constable.
Image suggestion: Group of learners conducting history of the field studies council fieldwork at one of the FSC's residential centres in the UK.
Chapter 3
FSC Learning Locations
The Field Studies Council operates one of the most extensive networks of outdoor learning centres in the United Kingdom, with properties carefully selected to provide access to exceptional natural environments. Each centre is situated in a location of significant ecological, geological or geographical interest, allowing learners to step directly from the classroom into habitats ranging from ancient woodland and chalk grassland to rocky shores and mountain summits. Among the most well-known centres are Flatford Mill (Suffolk), Juniper Hall (Surrey), Malham Tarn (Yorkshire Dales), Dale Fort (Pembrokeshire), Blencathra (Lake District), Nettlecombe (Somerset), Margam (South Wales), Preston Montford (Shropshire), Kindrogan (Perthshire) and Rhyd-y-creuau (Snowdonia).
Image suggestion: FSC fsc learning locations course in progress with students making observations and collecting samples outdoors.
Chapter 4
Residential Field Trips
Residential field trips are at the heart of the Field Studies Council's educational offering. Staying overnight at an FSC centre transforms a day trip into an immersive learning experience that can have a profound impact on students' understanding and enthusiasm. Most residential trips last between three and five days, with students and teachers accommodated at the centre and all meals provided. Days are structured around guided fieldwork sessions led by expert FSC tutors, with evenings used for data analysis, group discussion, presentations and social activities. The residential format allows for extended time in the field, enabling investigations that would be impossible to complete in a single day — such as comparing ecological communities across multiple sites or monitoring environmental variables over several days.
Image suggestion: Field Studies Council residential field trips programme showing practical outdoor learning in action.
Chapter 5
Geography Fieldwork
Geography fieldwork is a cornerstone of the FSC's educational programme, supporting students from Key Stage 3 through to A-Level and beyond with practical investigations that bring the subject to life. The FSC's geography tutors are specialists in both human and physical geography, able to design programmes that cover topics such as fluvial geomorphology, coastal processes, glaciation, urban regeneration, rural land use change, and the impacts of climate change. Students learn essential fieldwork techniques including river channel measurement (width, depth, velocity, cross-sectional area), beach profiling using the Emery method, soil analysis, land use mapping, environmental quality assessment, questionnaire design, and pedestrian flow counting.
Image suggestion: FSC geography fieldwork students working with tutors in the field, using specialised equipment and recording data.
Chapter 6
Biology Field Studies
Biology field studies with the Field Studies Council give students the opportunity to apply ecological theory to real-world environments, developing practical skills that are essential for success in biological sciences. Programmes cover a wide range of topics including biodiversity assessment, population sampling using quadrats and transects, mark-release-recapture techniques, freshwater macroinvertebrate identification as a measure of water quality, and investigations into the effects of abiotic factors on species distribution. Students learn to use a variety of sampling equipment including pitfall traps, sweep nets, pooters, kick sampling nets and light traps, and they become familiar with identification keys for common British plants, invertebrates and vertebrates.
Image suggestion: Participants engaged in biology field studies activities at an FSC centre, surrounded by the natural landscape.
Chapter 7
Environmental Science Courses
Environmental science courses at the Field Studies Council address the growing demand for interdisciplinary understanding of environmental issues, combining elements of biology, chemistry, geography and social science. These courses are designed for a wide range of audiences, from secondary school students studying environmental science at A-Level to university undergraduates, postgraduate researchers and professionals working in environmental management. Topics covered include ecosystem function and services, nutrient cycling, pollution monitoring and control, waste management, renewable energy systems, environmental impact assessment, and the principles of sustainable development.
Image suggestion: Group of learners conducting environmental science courses fieldwork at one of the FSC's residential centres in the UK.
Chapter 8
Ecology and Conservation
Ecology and conservation form the intellectual backbone of much of the FSC's work, and the charity offers a comprehensive range of courses that explore the interactions between organisms and their environments. At the introductory level, ecology courses cover fundamental concepts such as habitats and niches, food webs, energy flow, succession, competition and predation. Students learn to identify common species of British plants, animals and fungi, and to understand the ecological relationships that bind communities together. More advanced courses delve into population dynamics, community ecology, metapopulation theory, and the application of ecological principles to conservation management.
Image suggestion: FSC ecology and conservation course in progress with students making observations and collecting samples outdoors.
Chapter 9
Geology Field Courses
Geology field courses at the Field Studies Council take advantage of the UK's extraordinary geological diversity, from the ancient Precambrian rocks of the Scottish Highlands to the relatively recent sediments of the East Anglian coast. Centres such as Malham Tarn (Yorkshire Dales), Kindrogan (Perthshire) and Dale Fort (Pembrokeshire) are situated in areas of classic geological interest that have been studied by geologists for centuries. The Malham area, for example, provides outstanding exposures of Carboniferous limestone, including the famous Malham Cove, Gordale Scar and the limestone pavements that support rare plant communities. Kindrogan lies in the Scottish Highlands within reach of Dalradian metamorphic rocks and the Highland Boundary Fault.
Image suggestion: Field Studies Council geology field courses programme showing practical outdoor learning in action.
Chapter 10
Outdoor Learning
The Field Studies Council is a passionate advocate for outdoor learning in all its forms, recognising that education outside the classroom delivers benefits that extend far beyond subject knowledge. Research consistently demonstrates that outdoor learning improves academic achievement, increases motivation and engagement, enhances mental health and wellbeing, develops resilience and teamwork skills, and fosters a sense of connection to and responsibility for the natural environment. The FSC's outdoor learning programmes are designed to maximise these benefits while ensuring that learning outcomes are clearly defined and assessed.
Image suggestion: FSC outdoor learning students working with tutors in the field, using specialised equipment and recording data.
Chapter 11
Bushcraft and Survival Skills
Bushcraft and survival skills courses at the Field Studies Council offer a unique combination of practical outdoor skills education with broader learning about ecology, sustainability and human-environment relationships. These courses teach participants how to light fires without matches using fire steels and natural tinder, build temporary shelters from natural materials, identify edible and medicinal wild plants, purify water, navigate without a compass, tie knots, and use tools such as knives and saws safely. While these skills have obvious practical value for outdoor enthusiasts, the FSC frames them within a wider context of environmental understanding, resourcefulness and respect for nature.
Image suggestion: Participants engaged in bushcraft and survival skills activities at an FSC centre, surrounded by the natural landscape.
Chapter 12
Mapping and Navigation
Mapping and navigation training is a core component of the FSC's outdoor skills offering, providing participants with the knowledge and confidence to explore the countryside safely and independently. Courses cover the full range of navigation skills, from basic map reading (understanding contours, scales, grid references and map symbols) to advanced techniques such as night navigation, navigation in poor visibility, using a compass for bearings, and route planning across open country. The FSC uses Ordnance Survey maps as the standard resource, but also introduces participants to digital mapping tools, GPS devices and smartphone navigation apps.
Image suggestion: Group of learners conducting mapping and navigation fieldwork at one of the FSC's residential centres in the UK.
Chapter 13
Freshwater Studies
Freshwater studies are among the most popular and accessible fieldwork activities offered by the Field Studies Council, with opportunities for pond dipping, stream sampling and lake studies available at most centres. Freshwater habitats are ideal for ecological investigation because they contain a wide diversity of easily sampled species, respond quickly to environmental changes, and illustrate fundamental ecological concepts such as adaptation, trophic relationships, and the impact of pollution. Students learn standard freshwater sampling techniques including kick sampling for macroinvertebrates, pond netting, water quality testing (pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, nitrate and phosphate levels), and biological water quality assessment using indices such as the BMWP (Biological Monitoring Working Party) score.
Image suggestion: FSC freshwater studies course in progress with students making observations and collecting samples outdoors.
Chapter 14
Coastal Studies
Coastal studies at the Field Studies Council make use of the UK's extensive and varied coastline, from the dramatic cliffs and headlands of the west to the sandy shores and saltmarshes of the east. Centres with outstanding coastal access include Dale Fort in Pembrokeshire (rocky shores, sandy beaches and offshore islands), Flatford Mill in Suffolk (estuarine habitats, saltmarshes and shingle beaches), Juniper Hall in Surrey (within reach of the Sussex and Kent coasts), and Margam in South Wales (sandy shores and the Severn Estuary). These diverse settings allow students to compare different coastal environments and the physical and biological processes that shape them.
Image suggestion: Field Studies Council coastal studies programme showing practical outdoor learning in action.
Chapter 15
Woodland Ecology
Woodland ecology courses at the Field Studies Council explore one of the UK's most beloved and biodiverse habitats, from ancient seminatural woodlands to modern commercial plantations. Many FSC centres have direct access to woodlands of significant ecological interest. Nettlecombe in Somerset is surrounded by ancient woodland with an exceptional diversity of lichens, bryophytes and fungi. Juniper Hall lies adjacent to the woodlands of the North Downs, and Margam is within easy reach of the ancient oak woodlands of the Vale of Glamorgan. These woodlands serve as living laboratories for the study of woodland structure, composition and dynamics.
Image suggestion: FSC woodland ecology students working with tutors in the field, using specialised equipment and recording data.
Chapter 16
Grassland and Heathland
Grassland and heathland habitats are among the most ecologically important and threatened in the UK, and the Field Studies Council offers dedicated courses that explore their unique characteristics. Unimproved grasslands — those that have never been ploughed or chemically fertilised — can support an extraordinary diversity of plant species, with over forty species per square metre in some of the best examples. The FSC's centres provide access to several outstanding grassland sites, including the chalk grasslands of the North Downs (Juniper Hall), the limestone grasslands of the Yorkshire Dales (Malham Tarn), and the species-rich hay meadows of the Lake District (Blencathra).
Image suggestion: Participants engaged in grassland and heathland activities at an FSC centre, surrounded by the natural landscape.
Chapter 17
Urban Ecology
Urban ecology is an increasingly important field of study, and the Field Studies Council has developed programmes that explore the surprisingly rich biodiversity of towns and cities. Contrary to the perception that cities are ecological deserts, urban areas can support a remarkable variety of plant and animal species, including some that are rare or declining in the wider countryside. The FSC's urban ecology courses investigate the factors that influence biodiversity in urban environments, including habitat availability, fragmentation, pollution, human disturbance, and the management of green spaces such as parks, gardens, allotments, cemeteries, railway embankments and brownfield sites.
Image suggestion: Group of learners conducting urban ecology fieldwork at one of the FSC's residential centres in the UK.
Chapter 18
Climate Change Education
Climate change education is a growing priority for the Field Studies Council, which has developed a range of programmes that help learners understand the science, impacts and solutions relating to climate change. Courses are designed for different age groups and levels of prior knowledge. For younger learners, the focus is on understanding the difference between weather and climate, the greenhouse effect, and the simple actions that individuals can take to reduce their carbon footprint. For GCSE and A-Level students, programmes address the more complex science of climate change, including the carbon cycle, feedback loops, climate modelling, and the evidence for anthropogenic climate change drawn from ice cores, tree rings and historical records.
Image suggestion: FSC climate change education course in progress with students making observations and collecting samples outdoors.
Chapter 19
Sustainability Courses
Sustainability courses at the Field Studies Council help learners understand the principles of sustainable development and apply them to real-world contexts. The FSC defines sustainability broadly, encompassing environmental, social and economic dimensions. Courses explore topics such as the circular economy, sustainable food systems, renewable energy, sustainable transport, green building design, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Practical activities might include conducting a sustainability audit of an FSC centre, designing a sustainable garden, calculating carbon footprints, or evaluating the sustainability of different land management practices.
Image suggestion: Field Studies Council sustainability courses programme showing practical outdoor learning in action.
Chapter 20
Biodiversity Training
Biodiversity training is a key area of the Field Studies Council's professional development offering, addressing the critical skills shortage in taxonomic identification and ecological survey in the UK. The UK has a longstanding and well-documented shortage of trained taxonomists and field ecologists, a problem that the FSC actively addresses through its training programmes. Courses cover a wide range of taxonomic groups including vascular plants, bryophytes, lichens, fungi, terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates, birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles and fish. Tutors are acknowledged experts in their specialist groups, many of them contributing to national recording schemes and atlas projects.
Image suggestion: FSC biodiversity training students working with tutors in the field, using specialised equipment and recording data.
Chapter 21
Species Identification
Species identification is a fundamental skill in natural history and ecology, and the Field Studies Council offers an unrivalled range of courses dedicated to helping people recognise and name the organisms around them. From the beginner who struggles to tell a bluebell from a blue tit to the professional ecologist who needs to distinguish between cryptic species of bramble or lichen, the FSC has courses that meet every need. The charity's identification courses cover plants (wildflowers, grasses, sedges, rushes, ferns, trees and shrubs), animals (mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, freshwater fish, dragonflies, butterflies, moths, bees, wasps, beetles, flies, spiders and many other invertebrate groups), and other organisms such as fungi, lichens, mosses and algae.
Image suggestion: Participants engaged in species identification activities at an FSC centre, surrounded by the natural landscape.
Chapter 22
Biological Recording
Biological recording — the systematic collection and collation of data about the occurrence of species — is a vital component of conservation science, and the Field Studies Council offers training in the skills and methods involved. Biological records form the evidence base for conservation action, informing decisions about site protection, species management, planning policy and environmental impact assessment. The FSC's biological recording courses teach participants how to make reliable species records, including the essential elements of a valid record: species name, date, location, recorder name, and evidence such as a photograph or specimen. Courses also cover the use of recording apps and online databases, including iRecord, iNaturalist and the National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Atlas.
Image suggestion: Group of learners conducting biological recording fieldwork at one of the FSC's residential centres in the UK.
Chapter 23
Environmental Surveying
Environmental surveying courses at the Field Studies Council provide practical training in the methods and techniques used by professional environmental consultants and ecologists. The FSC offers training in a comprehensive range of survey methods, including phase 1 habitat survey (the standard method for classifying and mapping habitats in the UK), phase 2 vegetation survey (involving detailed quadrat-based sampling of plant communities), the National Vegetation Classification (NVC), protected species surveys (for great crested newts, bats, badgers, dormice, reptiles, birds and otters), and preliminary ecological appraisal (PEA) and ecological impact assessment (EcIA) techniques.
Image suggestion: FSC environmental surveying course in progress with students making observations and collecting samples outdoors.
Chapter 24
Professional Development
Professional development is a growing area of the Field Studies Council's work, providing training for environmental professionals, educators and others who need to maintain and update their skills. The FSC offers a wide range of CPD courses covering both technical skills (species identification, survey methods, GIS, data analysis) and broader professional competencies (project management, report writing, communication, leadership). Courses are designed to be practical and relevant, with clear learning outcomes that relate directly to professional practice.
Image suggestion: Field Studies Council professional development programme showing practical outdoor learning in action.
Chapter 25
Teacher Training
The Field Studies Council has a long and proud history of supporting teachers, both through direct training and through the provision of resources and guidance for school fieldwork. The FSC's teacher training courses address the specific challenges that teachers face when planning and delivering outdoor learning. Courses cover practical aspects such as risk assessment and management, behaviour management outdoors, clothing and equipment, and contingency planning for adverse weather. They also address pedagogical aspects, helping teachers understand how outdoor learning can support curriculum objectives and enhance student engagement and achievement.
Image suggestion: FSC teacher training students working with tutors in the field, using specialised equipment and recording data.
Chapter 26
GCSE Fieldwork
GCSE fieldwork is a mandatory component of geography and science qualifications across the UK, and the Field Studies Council is the leading provider of GCSE fieldwork programmes. For geography, the FSC offers programmes that address the fieldwork requirements of all major examination boards. Students conduct two geographical investigations — typically one physical and one human geography study — collecting primary data in the field, analysing it, reaching conclusions, and evaluating their methods. The FSC ensures that programmes are aligned with the specific requirements of each board, including the need for students to demonstrate competence in a range of fieldwork techniques.
Image suggestion: Participants engaged in gcse fieldwork activities at an FSC centre, surrounded by the natural landscape.
Chapter 27
A-Level Fieldwork
A-Level fieldwork represents the pinnacle of pre-university outdoor education, and the Field Studies Council offers programmes that challenge and inspire students while meeting the rigorous requirements of A-Level specifications. For A-Level geography, students must complete a minimum number of days of fieldwork and produce an independent investigation (the Non-Examined Assessment or NEA) that contributes significantly to their final grade. The FSC offers programmes specifically designed to support the NEA, helping students develop their research questions, design their methodologies, collect and analyse data, and write up their findings. Centres such as Malham Tarn, Dale Fort and Blencathra are particularly popular for A-Level geography because of the wide range of potential investigation topics they offer.
Image suggestion: Group of learners conducting a-level fieldwork fieldwork at one of the FSC's residential centres in the UK.
Chapter 28
University Field Courses
University field courses are a core part of the Field Studies Council's work, with centres hosting undergraduate and postgraduate groups from universities across the UK and beyond. FSC centres provide an ideal base for university fieldwork, offering comfortable accommodation, teaching spaces equipped with microscopes and AV equipment, computing facilities, library resources, and direct access to outstanding field sites. The charity's tutors can contribute to university programmes by providing specialist teaching, technical support and local knowledge, or the FSC can simply provide the venue and catering while the university's own staff deliver the teaching.
Image suggestion: FSC university field courses course in progress with students making observations and collecting samples outdoors.
Chapter 29
Family Learning
Family learning is a wonderful way to introduce children and adults to the natural world, and the Field Studies Council offers a range of courses designed for families to enjoy together. Family courses at the FSC are typically shorter than school programmes — often a weekend or a few days during school holidays — and are designed to be fun, engaging and accessible for all ages. Activities might include pond dipping, bug hunts, nature trails, beachcombing, fossil hunting, bushcraft sessions, star-gazing, and creative activities such as natural art and photography. The emphasis is on exploration, discovery and shared enjoyment.
Image suggestion: Field Studies Council family learning programme showing practical outdoor learning in action.
Chapter 30
Youth Groups
The Field Studies Council welcomes youth groups of all kinds, including Scouting and Guiding groups, Duke of Edinburgh's Award groups, youth clubs, uniformed organisations and community youth projects. Youth group programmes at the FSC can be tailored to the specific needs and goals of each group. Some groups come to complete specific qualifications or awards, such as a Duke of Edinburgh's Award residential or a Scout activity badge. Others come for a more general programme of outdoor activities designed to build confidence, teamwork and environmental awareness. The FSC works with group leaders before the visit to design a programme that meets their objectives and suits the age and ability of their young people.
Image suggestion: FSC youth groups students working with tutors in the field, using specialised equipment and recording data.
Chapter 31
FSC Publications
The Field Studies Council's publishing programme is one of the charity's most visible and influential activities, producing a wide range of resources that support natural history education and species identification. Best known are the FSC's fold-out identification guides — laminated, waterproof sheets that fold out to reveal clear illustrations and concise text for identifying common plants, animals and other organisms. There are now over a hundred titles in the series, covering subjects from common wildflowers and garden birds to seaweeds and fungi, and from dragonflies and butterflies to fossils and minerals. These guides are used by schools, universities, conservation organisations and amateur naturalists across the UK and beyond.
Image suggestion: Participants engaged in fsc publications activities at an FSC centre, surrounded by the natural landscape.
Chapter 32
FSC Centres in the UK
The Field Studies Council's network of residential and day centres spans England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, each offering unique opportunities for outdoor learning. In England, the FSC operates centres at Flatford Mill (Suffolk), Juniper Hall (Surrey), Malham Tarn (Yorkshire Dales), Blencathra (Lake District), Nettlecombe (Somerset), Preston Montford (Shropshire), Castle Head (Cumbria), Epping Forest (Essex), Margam (South Wales — though this is in Wales) and several others. Each centre has its own character and specialisms. Flatford Mill, the oldest centre, focuses on freshwater and estuarine studies. Malham Tarn is renowned for geology and limestone ecology. Blencathra offers exceptional mountain and upland environments.
Image suggestion: Group of learners conducting fsc centres in the uk fieldwork at one of the FSC's residential centres in the UK.
Chapter 33
FSC Charitable Work
As an educational charity, the Field Studies Council's core mission is to provide opportunities for people to experience, understand and care for the natural environment, and its charitable work extends well beyond the fee-paying courses it runs. A significant part of the FSC's charitable activity is the bursary programme, which provides financial support to state schools and groups working with disadvantaged young people. The bursary covers some or all of the cost of a residential visit, including accommodation, meals, tuition and travel. The programme is funded through donations, legacies, grant funding and the surplus generated by the charity's commercial activities.
Image suggestion: FSC fsc charitable work course in progress with students making observations and collecting samples outdoors.
Chapter 34
Volunteering with FSC
Volunteering with the Field Studies Council is a rewarding way to support the charity's work while gaining experience, skills and friendships in beautiful natural settings. FSC volunteers contribute in many different ways. Some work as practical conservation volunteers, carrying out habitat management tasks such as scrub clearance, path maintenance, fence building and tree planting on the land around FSC centres. Others support the charity's education work by assisting tutors with group activities, helping with equipment preparation, or leading guided walks. Some volunteers help with administrative tasks, fundraising, or the running of FSC events and open days.
Image suggestion: Field Studies Council volunteering with fsc programme showing practical outdoor learning in action.
Chapter 35
Supporting the FSC
There are many ways to support the Field Studies Council and its mission to connect people with nature. Every contribution, whether financial or in kind, helps the charity reach more people and deliver more impact. Making a donation is the most straightforward way to support the FSC. Donations can be made online through the charity's website, by post, or by setting up a regular monthly gift. Gift Aid can be claimed on donations made by UK taxpayers, increasing the value of the donation by 25 per cent at no extra cost to the donor. Legacies — gifts left in wills — are another important source of funding for the FSC, and the charity has a dedicated legacy programme that provides information and support for people considering leaving a gift in their will.
Image suggestion: FSC supporting the fsc students working with tutors in the field, using specialised equipment and recording data.
Chapter 36
Frequently Asked Questions about the Field Studies Council
What is the Field Studies Council and what does it do?
The Field Studies Council (FSC) is a UK-based environmental education charity founded in 1943. It operates a network of residential and day centres across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, providing expert-led fieldwork courses in geography, biology, environmental science, ecology, geology and outdoor skills. The FSC also publishes popular identification guides and resources for natural history education. Its mission is to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to experience, understand and care for the natural environment.
Who can attend FSC courses?
FSC courses are open to everyone. The charity runs programmes for primary and secondary school groups (including GCSE and A-Level fieldwork), university students and researchers, teachers and other education professionals, families, youth groups, and adults seeking professional development or personal interest courses. There are courses suitable for complete beginners as well as advanced programmes for experienced practitioners.
Where are FSC centres located?
FSC centres are located across the UK in areas chosen for their outstanding natural environment and educational value. Centres in England include Flatford Mill (Suffolk), Juniper Hall (Surrey), Malham Tarn (Yorkshire Dales), Blencathra (Lake District), Nettlecombe (Somerset), Preston Montford (Shropshire) and Castle Head (Cumbria). In Scotland there is Kindrogan (Perthshire). In Wales there are Rhyd-y-creuau (Snowdonia) and Margam (South Wales). The FSC also operates day centres and outreach programmes in other locations.
How much does an FSC course cost?
Costs vary depending on the type and duration of the course. Residential courses for school groups typically include accommodation, meals, tuition and equipment. The FSC offers a bursary scheme to help state schools with the cost of residential visits. Family courses, adult courses and professional development courses have separate pricing, which is published on the FSC website. The charity aims to keep its courses affordable and offers early booking discounts and other concessions.
Does the FSC offer accredited qualifications?
Yes, the FSC offers a range of accredited programmes. Its Biological Recording and Environmental Surveying certificate programmes provide recognised qualifications. Many of the charity's professional development courses are accredited by CIEEM for CPD purposes. School fieldwork programmes are designed to meet the requirements of GCSE and A-Level specifications for all UK examination boards.
Can I volunteer with the Field Studies Council?
Yes, the FSC welcomes volunteers in a variety of roles including practical conservation work, education support, administrative assistance and event help. Volunteer placements are also available for students and early-career professionals. The FSC provides training, supervision and, where possible, accommodation and meals during volunteer periods. Details of current volunteering opportunities are published on the FSC website.
How is the FSC funded?
As a charity, the FSC generates income from fee-paying courses, publication sales and venue hire. This income is supplemented by donations, legacies, grant funding from trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, and fundraising activities. Any surplus generated is reinvested into the charity's charitable objectives, including its bursary programme, outreach work and conservation research.
How can I support the FSC's mission?
There are many ways to support the FSC. You can make a donation (including setting up a regular gift or leaving a legacy in your will), become a corporate partner, purchase FSC publications, volunteer your time, or simply spread the word about the charity's work. You can also follow the FSC on social media, attend its events and open days, and encourage schools and groups to book courses at FSC centres.
Does the FSC work with international organisations?
While the FSC's centres and core operations are based in the UK, the charity's influence extends internationally through its publications, research collaborations and partnerships with organisations in Europe and beyond. The FSC's identification guides are used by naturalists worldwide, and the charity's expertise in outdoor learning and environmental education is shared through conferences, training programmes and collaborative projects with international partners.
What should I bring to an FSC residential course?
Participants are advised to bring warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for outdoor activities in all weather conditions. Other essential items include a torch, notebook and pen, water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent, and any necessary personal medication. FSC centres provide all specialist fieldwork equipment. A full joining instructions pack is sent to all participants before their visit, including a detailed packing list and information about the centre and its facilities.
Start Your Field Studies Journey
Whether you are a student preparing for final examinations, a teacher seeking to inspire your classes, a professional developing your career skills, or a family looking for a meaningful adventure, the Field Studies Council has something to offer. Every course, every resource and every experience is designed to deepen your connection with the natural world and equip you with the knowledge and skills to care for it.
The Field Studies Council has been transforming lives through outdoor learning for more than eighty years, and its charitable work is more relevant today than ever before. As we face unprecedented environmental challenges including biodiversity loss, climate change and ecological degradation, the need for people who understand, value and are prepared to protect the natural world has never been greater. By choosing to engage with the FSC — whether as a learner, a teacher, a volunteer, a donor or a supporter — you become part of a community that is working to create a more sustainable and nature-connected future for everyone.
Visit the FSC WebsiteField Studies Council — Registered Charity No. 313364 (England & Wales) and SC039870 (Scotland)
2026 Field Studies Council. All rights reserved.
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