WESTWARD WILDLIFE
Mark Ward BSc., PhD., PGCE
Environmental Education. Marine & Coastal Surveys.
Course & Workshop Facilitation.
Nature Connection & Well-being
SERVICES
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Field Courses
Environmental field courses, guided walks and outdoor practical sessions for all ages, abilities, skill levels and backgrounds. Specialising in inter-tidal, coastal and maritime habitats.
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Coastal Surveys & Citizen Science
Intertidal and coastal survey work. Training for individuals and groups in citizen scientist surveying and monitoring.
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Nature Connection & Well-being Courses
Tailored sessions for individuals and groups of all ages and backgrounds to better reconnect with nature, including ‘Work that Reconnects (Active Hope)’ workshops.
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Other Services
Consultancy, research and evaluation services in:
* Environmental education (specialising in marine education)
* Coastal and intertidal marine ecology
* Community engagement
* Nature connection
Current Projects
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Coastwise Somerset: support & training
One year contract with Somerset Wildlife Trust to support the development of a new independent specialist group of volunteers (Coastwise Somerset) who will continue their work as citizen scientists carrying out survey work along the Somerset coast, including Shoresearch surveys and Sea Watch surveys. The contract also aims to ensure the data collected are integrated within Somerset Wildlife Trust (and Somerset Environmental Record Centre) wider data sets as well as national databases.
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Well-being & Nature Connection Courses. Higher Barn Farm, West Somerset
Next Course: 13th Sept 2025
Are you concerned about the state of the planet? Are you anxious about the climate and ecological crises – globally and locally? How can reconnecting to nature support us in seeking hope and resilience? Can we re-find ways of making change happen as individuals and communities, nurturing a regenerative, thriving world for all?
Join us for guided activities and explorations in the beautiful surroundings of Higher Barn Farm, Roadwater, West Somerset. The sessions will also showcase the permaculture and regenerative farming practices of the ‘With the Wild’ CIC based at the Farm.
Biography
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Mark has been studying and working in the fields of marine ecology, FE teaching, environmental education and nature connection and well being for most his career.
After his marine biology degree and PhD on sub-tidal bryozoan ecology from the University of Liverpool (based on the Isle of Man), he trained as teacher of biology and environmental science and taught in FE colleges in London and in the New Forest.
For most of his career he was a field tutor and manager in the Field Studies Council - working in Pembrokeshire, West Somerset and Shrewsbury. In particular, he has developed and led courses in coastal ecology.
He is a member of the board of the European Marine Science Educators Association (EMSEA).
He has also been an examiner for various A level awarding bodies and has published papers and written articles and guides on intertidal ecology.
Most recently Mark has worked for the Somerset Wildlife Trust leading a community engagement project on the Somerset coast. He is interested in the cross-fertilisation of (citizen) science approaches and the interplay with the creative arts and with nature connection, well-being and behaviour change. He is a trained ‘Work that Reconnects’ facilitator.
Mark is currently co-chair of the Braunton Countryside Centre.
PUBLICATIONS
- Ward, M.A. & Thorpe, J.P. (1989). Assessment of spatial utilisation in a subtidal temperate bryozoan community. Marine Biology 103: 215-224
- Ward, M.A. & Thorpe, J.P. (1991). Distribution of encrusting bryozoans and other epifauna on the subtidal bivalve Chlamys opercularis (L.). Marine Biology 110: 253-259
- Ward, M.A. (1992). Distribution of sessile marine organisms on the wall of a littoral limestone cave at Barafundle Bay, South Pembrokeshire. Field Studies 8: 77-88
- Cremona, C., Simms, R. A. & Ward, M.A. (2001). Identification Guide to Common Rocky Shore Organisms (Fold Out Key). FSC
- Ward, M.A (2018). Maths Skills for Biologist (Fold Out Chart). FSC/BES
- Ward, M.A (2022 – in press). Rocky Shore Invertebrates (Fold Out Key). FSC
- Ward, M.A & Cowie, P.R (2018). Integrating Ocean Literacy in UK Curriculum-led Field Courses. Chapter 17. Springer Publications
- Winks, L, Ward, M, Zilch, J & Woodley, E (2020). Residential marine field-courses impacts on Ocean Literacy. Environmental Education Research, 26:7, 969-988
- Mark Ward. CPRE Online Articles (Discover our countryside>Things to do this month) 2020/2:
o https://www.cpre.org.uk/discover/exploring-the-seashore-a-spotters-guide/
o https://www.cpre.org.uk/discover/a-dip-into-pond-life/
o https://www.cpre.org.uk/discover/coastal-creatures-spotters-guide/