Theory & Practice

In the classroom we will teach you both theoretical and practical aspects of thermal imaging. 

Out in the field, hands-on sessions allow you to practice your skills with different thermal imaging set ups in unique bat survey locations.

*Masterclass Session

Participants can bring potential projects to this confidential session with Dr Kayleigh Fawcett Williams. Each session lasts up to one hour and allows for an in-depth project planning training experience.

Practical Training Sessions

These hands-on outdoor training sessions include three dusk and/or dawn survey practicals (subject to weather conditions).

In this practical part of the course you will have access to a range of thermal imaging equipment along with our support and expertise to help you learn how to use it effectively. 

Our venue allows us access to lots of bat roost locations so you can gain experience in a range of survey situations, including buildings, trees and wider landscapes.

YOUR TEACHER

This course is taught by Dr. Kayleigh Fawcett Williams, with the assistance of her team at Wildlifetek. Kayleigh has been using technology for wildlife applications for the past seventeen years.

Kayleigh’s work has taken her around the world, including New Zealand, South Africa, Denmark and Belize to name a few. Kayleigh now helps wildlife professionals and students to improve their wildlife work.

Knowing from an early age that she wanted to work with animals, Kayleigh started out her career by pursuing a degree in Biological Science at Cambridge University (2003-2006) where she conducted her thesis on the behaviour of free-ranging Konik horses using optics and night vision technology. In the summer of 2004, Kayleigh travelled to Mongolia to study the re-released Przewalski’s horses using GPS systems to map their daily movements.

After graduating, Kayleigh discovered the exciting world of bats. After a bat walk with her local bat group in Lincolnshire (UK), Kayleigh was hooked. She started working with ultrasonic detectors and sound analysis software over the next few years working with these fascinating animals.

In 2010, Kayleigh moved to Denmark to study for her PhD in Bioacoustics. Her doctoral work focused on the echolocation calls of Rhinolophus and Myotis bats in the laboratory and in the field (UK, Denmark & South Africa). During this time, Kayleigh discovered thermal imaging technology and began using this as an additional technique alongside her sound recording equipment. During this time, Kayleigh trained as a Thermographer at FLIR Headquarters in the UK.

Following her PhD studies, Kayleigh returned home to the UK in 2013 where she began working in a large consultancy surveying for bats. Here she began developing thermal survey methods for bats and other wildlife species. In 2016, Kayleigh travelled to New Zealand to train wildlife surveyors to use thermal imaging technology.

Realising her passion for wildlife and technology, Kayleigh started up her own company, KFW Scientific & Creative, in 2017 to share her specialist knowledge with other wildlife professionals and enthusiasts. In 2019, Kayleigh published the “Thermal Imaging Bat Survey Guidelines” in association with the Bat Conservation Trust and her new book on “Thermal Imaging for Wildlife Applications” is now available from Pelagic Publishing. Kayleigh now shares her knowledge and skills globally via her online training and support services.