Land and Wildlife City & Guilds Technical Certificate Level 2

Course information

This sector is all about sustaining, protecting and conserving the natural environment. So if you love the countryside, are passionate about its protection and conservation, and the livelihoods that rely on its existence, then this is the career for you.

If you would love a career working outdoors then this course is ideal for you. Throughout your studies you will learn the skills and knowledge needed to manage land and wildlife and have the opportunity to go on field trips and work with numerous organisations such as the National Trust, Forestry England, Dartmoor National Park, RSPB and the Pebblebed Conservation Trust.

With access to our beautiful farms and estates this course focuses on practical skills development, ensuring you are work ready when you finish your studies. Bicton College is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty and the grounds include an 8 acre wet woodland, numerous freshwater habitats, grassland, woodland, farmland and is home to many species including Dormice, Otters, Beavers, Barn Owls, Roe Deer, Grass Snakes, Common Lizards and Greater Horseshoe Bats

What You Will Learn

During the course you will study a range of modules including estate skills, land based machinery, species identification, ecology and wildlife conservation, health and safety, conservation of flora and fauna, and work experience. This will include using chainsaws, brushcutters, tractors, ATV’s and chippers. You will also learn the skills and knowledge to create boardwalks, post and rail fences, stiles, gates, Devon banks, hedgelaying, flora and fauna identification, surveying, management of invasive species, stream maintenance and tree planting.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for entry, applicants must have achieved at least a Grade 4 in either GCSE Maths or English, with a minimum Grade 3 in the other subject. Additionally, three further GCSEs at Grade 3 or above are required. To secure a work experience placement.

Work Experience

150 Minimum work experience hours. Examples include Clinton Devon Estates, working with the conservation volunteers and learning how one of the largest estates in East Devon operates. They have tenant farmers, common land, freshwater systems and miles of hedgerows they manage. Burrator Reservoir – South West Lakes Trust, working with wardens to maintain the site, work with the conservation volunteers, educational activities regarding the roles and aims of the trust to primary schools. Seaton Wetlands – RSPB, working with conservation volunteers, help with educational activities, surveying on site, removal of invasive species, manage the wetland area.

Assessment

You will be assessed through a multiple choice exam, a health and safety exam and two synoptic written exams that also undertake practical assessments. Most of the assessments are carried out in term 2. You will also receive homework each week from your modules to help towards your knowledge development.

Progression

Once finishing this course you will have several opportunities open to you regarding progression. You can progress onto the Level 3 Diploma in Land and Wildlife to further your studies in the subject area and cover topics such as coastal management, freshwater habitat management, tree felling and chainsaw use and pest and predator control. You can also follow the arboriculture or horticulture route to focus on tree dismantling and become a qualified tree surgeon or look at landscaping to become a landscape gardener. We also have apprenticeship options in all those courses for those of you keen to get out into the working world.

Bicton College

Bicton College

Bicton College is based in East Devon, near Exeter, and set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just two miles from the Jurassic Coast. The historic Georgian mansion, commercial farm, animal husbandry school, modern veterinary nursing building, world-class engineering and heavy plant machinery workshop, walled garden and arboretum are all set in over 200 hectares of historic parkland.

Find out more about our Bicton campus

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