DO you know your waders from your raptors?

If not, a course being run by the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty's (Aonb) WildWatch project will help.

Those taking part will learn to identify the different species in the area and find out more about their habitat and behaviour.

The course is made up four one-day workshops, which will take place in April, May, June and November and will involve both classroom and outdoor sessions.

WildWatch is a three-year project to encourage residents and visitors to map the wildlife that inhabits the Aonb area..

To date, more than 14,700 records have been submitted and three independent wildlife groups have been set up.

Sam Finn, WildWatch project co-ordinator, said: “The course is spread out over the year in a bid to get people seeing as many different species as possible.”

Those taking part in the course will work with Keith Bowey, who has worked in nature conservation and ecology for more than 30 years.

The course fee is £120. For full details go to www.northpennines.org.uk/wildwatch, call 01388-528801 or email Samantha@northpenninesaonb.org.uk