Woodland Ecology and Conservation (with Sandwich placement)

Climate change and biodiversity loss are the twin challenges of our time. Become part of the solution by gaining expertise in forest management, biodiversity, and woodland conservation.
Woodlands are unique and precious habitats supporting biodiversity and a suite of ecosystem functions, while holding a central place within our cultural heritage and providing timber and forest products as a critical economic asset. You will transform your passion for woodlands into the practical skills and academic knowledge required to work in forest ecosystems, applying your understanding of woodland ecology and conservation to create a tangible environmental benefit.
The addition of a sandwich placement—which you’ll undertake at a partnered institution during year three of your studies—allows you to apply your learning in a real-world context. You’ll gain hands-on experience through field research and lab opportunities, developing the confidence and capabilities you need to thrive in the conservation sector.
Based in the Lake District, our Ambleside campus is home to the National School of Forestry, where you can take advantage of the diverse range of habitats with woodlands that span as far as the eye can see.
Your expert academics are active researchers in forestry, ecology and biodiversity conservation; bringing with them world-class knowledge of the subject which will inspire your learning.
You will spend time in commercial forests, ancient woodlands and unique habitats for conservation, allowing you to experience the inner workings of this profession and bolster your confidence, ready to embark upon a fulfilling career.

Module Examples

-Silviculture
-Woodland Ecology
-Tree of Life
-Geographic Information Systems
-Climate Smart Forestry
-Forest Health and Protection
-Woodland Conservation
-Forest Plan
-Dissertation

https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate/woodland-ecology-and-conservation-with-sandwich-year/

Although most assessments are individual, there will be opportunities for group-working, particularly in outdoor practical sessions where data is collected. This will help you develop collaborative and organisational skills ready for the workplace.

Throughout the programme, you will undertake a number of assessments, both practical and theoretical. This will allow you to practice key skills and attributes that feed into your future employability.

Examples of assessment types include:

• Creating fieldwork and laboratory reports, particularly making use of primary field notebooks;
• Writing essays or reports;
• Critically analysing ‘real life’ case studies;
• And Role-play to simulate real-world situations in the field and classroom.