Course Overview
This course is ideal for students who want to further their experience of working in the countryside to increase their ability and confidence. You will study in beautiful, real-life training settings, within the Welsh Black Mountains and the National Park. You’ll learn with a training provider and gain practical experience that will give you an edge in the world of work.
Nature is under threat from climate change and pressures from unsustainable land use practices. You’ll learn keys skills for a career promoting environmental recovery and resilience through practical outdoor learning backed up with classroom theory including plant and soil science, habitat conservation, countryside access and ecological surveying.
Develop a successful career and make a real difference in national parks, local authorities, and wildlife trusts. BMC aims to support each learner to prepare for and mitigate the effects of climate change in relation to building resilience into the natural environment.
Applications for 2023 are now CLOSED. 2024 applications will open in April 2024. Minimum age: 16 years. ENGLISH AND MATHS
English and Maths are an integral part of the course. Students who do not yet have the necessary grades (grade 4/ C or above) will get additional teaching and support to study for GCSE English and Maths
You may be new to countryside, nature, and environment work, or have some knowledge and basic skills. You want to develop your skills, perhaps to start work as a park ranger or prepare for further training.
The BMC Level 2 in Nature Recovery will give you the skills you need to pursue a sustainable and rewarding career.
After this course, students may be able to:
– Move into a Level 3 course in Countryside and Environment
– Start a career working with a National Park, Wildlife Trust, or land management company
– Use this qualification towards entry to the BMC undergraduate course, BA (Hons) Sustainable Futures: Arts, Ecology, and Systems Change
The qualification could provide an introduction or pathway into a variety of future career opportunities including:
Countryside Ranger
Conservation Officer
Nature recovery Advisor
Surveyor
Ecologist
Positions in Land Management
Environmental Consultant
Nature Restoration management
Course Modules covered include the following, each will have a particular focus on sustainability:
Undertake Work-Related Experience in the Land-Based Industries
You will obtain the skills needed to identify, participate in and review work experience in an environmental and land-based environment whilst learning about the range and scope of different roles. Our work-experience partners are Brecon Beacons National Park, and the Radnorshire Wildlife Trust, or you can find your own placement!
Environmental and Land-Based Business
Understand the principles of business within the environmental and land-based sector, and how these can be applied in practice, including regulations, legislation, and business operations.
Introduction to Boundary Habitat Conservation
Understand the conservation of boundaries in the landscape both for their cultural value, and for their importance for nature conservation. Assess the importance of hedgerows, traditional banks and walls, fences, ditches, field margins, road verges, railway embankments and canal sides, and assist in their management.
Introduction to Countryside Access and Recreation
Develop knowledge of issues surrounding the management of land for access and recreation, and develop skills in working with the public, understanding of legal issues and promoting responsible use of the environment.
Undertaking Ecological Surveys and Techniques
Identify terrestrial and aquatic species using identification keys and investigate the planning, surveying and reporting of terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Demonstrate the selection of different methods of survey, using the correct tools and equipment to accurately collect and report data collected in the field and laboratory.
Understand the Basic Principles of Soil Science
Develop the knowledge required to understand the physical and chemical properties of soils and relate this to the growth of plants in the wild and in cultivation. Assess soils in order to inform
All tuition fees for further education are fully funded by the Welsh Government for everyone aged 16+.
If you are eligible you may be able to apply to receive EMA or a Welsh Government Learning Grant.
There will be some costs to provide required personal protection equipment approx. £50.
