Adventures in Multi-species Ethnography

The study of multi-species relationships is gaining momentum across the humanities, encouraging new ways of understanding how different forms of life shape worlds and societies. While many scholars explore the theoretical aspects of human and nonhuman interdependence, practical, ethnographic research methodologies in this area remain limited.

This three-day workshop at the University of Manchester in 2025 explores innovative approaches for researching more-than-human agencies and experiences. It invites participants to engage with the possibilities and challenges of this work in an immersive and exploratory manner. Discussions will emphasise ethical, critical, and imaginative ways to study the nonhuman. While the focus is primarily zoological, participants will also consider interactions with plant life and other nonhuman entities.

The workshop provides a unique opportunity to collaboratively shape the future of multi-species research. 

The course covers:  

• Working critically with natural science expertise
• Using sensory ethnography and embodied reflexivity to attune to the more-than-human
• Visual (dis)orientations: using video methods as an attentive and reflexive practice with animals

By the end of the course participants will:

• Appreciate both the opportunities and the epistemological and ethical challenges of multi-species ethnography
• Possess a set of practical approaches and methods for more-than-human research, particularly, but not exclusively, with animals
• Have gained practical experience of applying these methods in fieldwork settings 

Course format 

This course will be delivered as a three-day full-day workshop that blends classroom discussions with outdoor fieldwork. Mornings focus on theory, whilst afternoons focus on practical research. Participants will explore sensory ethnography, scientific collaboration, and visual research methods in urban green spaces, including riversides, parks, and a city farm. Movement-based activities allow engagement at an individual pace, with optional partner work. Sessions foster documentation, reflection, and idea exchange. The workshop’s approach encourages slow, thoughtful exploration, balancing intellectual engagement with hands-on experimentation.  
 
The course leader

Led by Dr Maisie Tomlinson, with support from Russ Hedley (Nature Talks and Walks), this course offers a unique chance to explore emerging multi-species research methodologies. Attendees are encouraged to contribute and shape the field’s future.  
 
Pre-requisites

This workshop welcomes scholars across disciplines, from students to academics. While open to all, theoretical sessions follow a postgraduate standard. Prior knowledge of qualitative research is advised. Outdoor fieldwork will proceed in all weathers—waterproof clothing recommended. Mobility accommodations are available with advance notice. Field locations, within 45 minutes of the university, will be accessed by public transport and taxi. 
 
Preparatory materials Required:  

Please read at least one of the following:

• Hamilton, L. and Taylor, N. (2017). Chapter 3, Listening for the voices of animals, in Hamilton, L. and Taylor, N. (eds). Ethnography after Humanism. London: Palgrave MacMillan
• Pitt, Hannah. (2015). “On Showing and Being Shown Plants - a Guide to Methods for More-than-Human Geography.” Area, 47(1), pp. 48–55.
• Nimmo, R. (2016). ‘From over the horizon: animal alterity and liminal intimacy beyond the anthropomorphic embrace’, Otherness: Essays and Studies, 5(2), pp. 13-45  
   
  Please choose two of the animals below and do a little light research a) their ethology b) the social construction of those animals in the society and culture with which you are most familiar. Further guidance will be sent in advance of the workshop.
• Sheep 
• Cow 
• Pig 
• Chickens 

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email 23/05/25