Land & Wildlife Management Diploma

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 Heath 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 ecological surveys, conservation practices, coastal management, farm habitat management, land based machinery, estate maintenance, health and safety, woodland habitat management, countryside recreation and heathland management. This will give you the opportunity to undertake a vast array of surveys for flora and fauna; build stiles and boardwalk; erect post and rail and post and wire fencing; undertake scientific study of habitats; monitor and map coastal processes; understand legislation involved with habitat restoration and conservation; species reintroduction and rewilding; and species identification.

Entry Requirements

Four GCSEs at grade 4 including English, maths and science.

Work Experience

As part of your course you will be required to carry out Work Experience and/or an Industry Placement. 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 theory exam, a health and safety exam, one synoptic written exam and also undertake practical assessments such as surveying or estate skills. You will also complete assignments for four modules each year, these are practical and theory based assessments.

Progression

Success at this level means that you will have a good grasp of the practical skills and knowledge required in the sector. You can use your skills to progress to the Level 3 Extended Advanced Technical Diploma programme 1080 or enter employment.

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

Events

Open Event at Bicton College

16-19 Adult Apprenticeship University

• Dates
  18th January 2025, 10:00am - 12:00pm
  26th April 2025, 10:00am - 12:00pm
  

Discover our courses, apprenticeships, tour our campuses and meet our amazing team at one of our Open Days!  View Event

Taster Day at Bicton College

16-19 Apprenticeship University

• Dates
  17th February 2025, 9:00am - 3:30pm
  28th May 2025, 9:00am - 3:30pm
  

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