Animal Conservation and Countryside Management

The broad purpose of this course is the daily management, maintenance, conservation and protection of the natural environment and to inspire people about the natural environment . This includes a wide range of habitats such as moorland, heathland, wetland, woodland, grassland and coastal and protected landscapes that makes the English countryside, either in an urban or rural environment, both distinctive and special. Students will organise, supervise and deliver specific land management, conservation and community engagement tasks and manage small scale projects working collaboratively both internally and externally with a wide range of partners, stakeholders, organisations and interest groups as well as creating safe environments where the public can enjoy the countryside. Alongside the delivery of education programmes students will also gain skills in driving tractors , hand tools and land based machinery.

This occupation is found in organisations that are responsible for managing the countryside, natural environment, community engagement and public access. These cover significant amounts of our country. 25% of England is covered by National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), and more than 350,000 hectares is managed by organisations such as National Trust, Natural England, Wildlife Trusts and RSPB. This includes land which is National Nature Reserves as well as private landed estates, urban and country parks. The types of organisations include local government - unitary, county, district, city, town and parish councils, small and medium businesses, national and local charities such as National Trust, Wildlife Trusts, RSPB, Woodland Trust, Canal and River Trust as well as National Park Authorities, Forestry England and Natural England.

Modules
Year 1 (Level 4)
Animal Health and Welfare (15 credits)
Business and the Business Environment (15 credits)
Managing a Successful Project (Pearson-set) (15 credits)
Managing Environmental Resources (15 credits)
Principles of Ecology and their Applications (15 credits)
British Wildlife (15 credits)
Practical Conservation and Land Management (30 credits)

Year 2 (Level 5)
Biological Principles (15 credits)
Research Project (Pearson-set) (30 credits)
Wildlife Conservation (15 credits)
Work Experience in the Conservation and Countryside Sector (30 credits)
Habitat Restoration, Repair and Education (30 credits)

Assessment method
Assessment will include any of the following;
• written assignments
• seminars
• poster presentations
• practical coaching or role-plays
• reports
• portfolios
• case studies
• presentations
• placement