What will I learn?
You’ll work both on the 183 hectare College estate and off-site on work placements with conservation organisations and site visits to places such as the World Heritage Dorset coastline, the New Forest and South Downs National Parks, world renowned chalk streams (Rivers Test and Itchen) and the London and Oxford Natural History Museums. You will also be involved with the day-to-day management of a range of local conservation sites in conjunction with countryside professionals and organisations.
You will learn the principles of ecology and environmental science providing you with a strong base of knowledge in addition to studying the ecology and management of a range of environments including woodland,
heathland, grassland, freshwater and coastal habitats. You will also acquire invaluable practical skills that will significantly enhance your employability and opportunities to continue your studies in Higher Education.
You will benefit from our lecturers’ strong links with conservation organisations including the National Trust, RSPB, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and Hampshire County Council – some of your potential
future employers.
Topics covered
Year 1 – To achieve an Advanced Technical Diploma you will study all of the following;
• Wildlife population surveys, ecology and conservation
• Habitat management (Woodlands, Heathlands, Farm and Freshwater and Wetlands)
• Estate skills
• Countryside recreation
• Machinery use, maintenance and operation
• Health and safety
• Work experience
Year 2 – To achieve an Advanced Technical Extended Diploma you will, after completing year 1, move on to study the following;
• Physical and biological environmental processes
• Ecological concepts and applications
• Work experience
• Environmental interpretation
• Tree felling and chainsaw use
• Greenwood crafts
• Habitat management (urban, coastal and grasslands)
• Deer management
• Specialist project
• Freshwater and wetlands and woodland habitat management
What grades will I need?
Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above which must include English, Maths and Science OR a relevant Level 2 qualification and English and Maths GCSE at grade 4 or above.
Applications from mature students are encouraged and will be considered on an individual basis.
What can I study next?
- Degree courses in Ecology and Conservation, Environmental, Land Management, Countryside Management, Environmental Management and Marine Conservation (including at University Centre Sparsholt).
- Level 4 Apprenticeship Countryside Ranger
This course gives you UCAS tariff points for entry to University.
Did you know?
Complete a full Level 3 qualification with us and we’ll guarantee you an offer of a place on one of our relevant University Centre Sparsholt degree courses. Admissions Terms & Conditions apply – for full details go to www.ucsparsholt.ac.uk
Careers
- Assistant conservation officer
- Nature reserve warden
- Countryside ranger
- Ecological surveyor
- Practical Estate Ranger/Worker
- Self-employed habitat contractor
- Ecologist
Optional Additional Qualifications
- NPTC Chainsaw cross cut and maintenance
- Species ID certificate
- NPTC Brushcutters and strimmers
- NPTC Wood chipper
- NPTC All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) or (RTV)
- Deer Stalking Certificate – Level 1
