Successful training workshop at Heal Somerset, UK

Our Advanced eDNA Training Workshop at Heal Somerset on 29th September 2025 brought together a brilliant group of conservation professionals for a full day of applied training in environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring. The session was highly interactive and hands-on, focusing on turning eDNA data into practical ecological insight.

A Diverse and Engaged Group

Attendees represented a range of leading organisations across the conservation landscape — including the Bristol Zoological Society, Wye Valley National Landscape, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, Bristol Avon Rivers Trust, Frome Beaver Watch, and Heal Somerset. This mix of on-the-ground practitioners, project leads, and strategic managers created an engaging environment where ideas flowed freely between disciplines.

Excellent Feedback

We were delighted to receive outstanding feedback across all aspects of the workshop, with participants particularly praising the clarity of presentations, quality of materials, and balance of theory and practice. The combination of real-world case studies, practical demonstrations, and discussion around field-to-lab workflows helped bring the technical aspects of eDNA to life.

Participants highlighted how valuable it was to explore where and how eDNA fits into wider biodiversity monitoring strategies, gaining confidence to apply these methods in their own projects and organisational contexts.

Looking Ahead

Several participants expressed interest in future workshops focusing on modelling and GIS applications, including occupancy modelling, data visualisation, and mapping eDNA results. We’re already planning a follow-up module for 2026 to expand on these areas and help participants bridge the gap between laboratory data and landscape-scale interpretation.

Following the success of this session, we’re delighted to announce that the Advanced eDNA Workshop will be repeated at the Cornwall Beaver Project in March 2026 (exact date to be confirmed).

If you missed out on the Heal Somerset event and would like to join us next time, please get in touch via info@theednaconsultancy.co.uk to register your interest.

We’re proud that The eDNA Consultancy’s training model continues to support accessible, practical learning for the conservation sector while contributing directly to real monitoring projects.

Thank You

A huge thank-you to all our attendees, to the Heal Somerset team for hosting us, and to everyone who continues to champion innovative, evidence-based monitoring.