Land-Based Studies (Countryside Conservation and Horticulture)

Land-Based Studies (Countryside Conservation and Horticulture)

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 Entry requirements Assessment Progression Bicton College

What you will learn

During the course you will study a range of modules including safe and effective working practices, preparation for work, plant and tree identification, estate skills, land based machinery, tool use and care, wildlife and conservation and health and safety. The course acts as an introduction to countryside management for students who love the outdoor learning environment, who maybe are very practically orientated and don't mind working in all weathers.

Entry requirements

GCSE English and maths at grade 2, or equivalent qualifications at Entry Level

A love of working outdoors, a good attitude and sense of humour

Assessment

You will be assessed through online multiple choice tests, practical assessments and building a portfolio of evidence. Homework is also set each week to help develop your knowledge and understanding and build on the topics we have covered each week.

Progression

There are several options open to each student on completion of the level 1 course. Depending on your interests you can progress onto the level 2 arboriculture to learn how to climb trees, dismantle, fell and process trees, a very practical course for those not afraid of heights. You can progress onto Level 2 Land and Wildlife to develop your knowledge of managing estates or being a warden or ranger for the National Trust. This includes estate management and learning how to use brushcutters and chainsaws. But there are also progression routes in horticulture where you can learn landscape garden design and hard landscaping such as paving and bricklaying. All of these options can also be pursued at apprenticeship level for those wishing to get out into the working world.

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.

What You Will Learn

During the course you will study a range of modules including safe and effective working practices, preparation for work, plant and tree identification, estate skills, land based machinery, tool use and care, wildlife and conservation and health and safety. The course acts as an introduction to countryside management for students who love the outdoor learning environment, who maybe are very practically orientated and don't mind working in all weathers.

Entry Requirements

GCSE English and maths at grade 2, or equivalent qualifications at Entry Level

A love of working outdoors, a good attitude and sense of humour

Assessment

You will be assessed through online multiple choice tests, practical assessments and building a portfolio of evidence. Homework is also set each week to help develop your knowledge and understanding and build on the topics we have covered each week.

Progression

There are several options open to each student on completion of the level 1 course. Depending on your interests you can progress onto the level 2 arboriculture to learn how to climb trees, dismantle, fell and process trees, a very practical course for those not afraid of heights. You can progress onto Level 2 Land and Wildlife to develop your knowledge of managing estates or being a warden or ranger for the National Trust. This includes estate management and learning how to use brushcutters and chainsaws. But there are also progression routes in horticulture where you can learn landscape garden design and hard landscaping such as paving and bricklaying. All of these options can also be pursued at apprenticeship level for those wishing 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.