Greensand Country Landscape Partnership Study Programme “Creating a legacy”
Greensand Country Partnership Study Programme Where is the programme based? Shuttleworth College, Old Warden near Bedford Who will be your tutor? Sarah Russell What will this information tell you?
Part number
Information
1.
What is the Greensand Country Study Programme?
2.
What makes a great Greensand Country Trainee?
3.
What is the Greensand Country Partnership?
4.
What can this study programme give you?
5.
What types of further study or job opportunities are available in conservation and heritage landscapes?
6.
What are we looking for in an applicant?
7.
The application process and details
8.
Where will you be training?
9.
What are we looking for in a candidate? (The selection criteria).
10.
How to find out more.
Appendix A
The BTEC level 2 Certificate in Countryside and the Environment
Appendix B
The skills that you will develop during the study programme
1. What is the Greensand Country study programme? Imagine being able to tell future employers that you’ve trained with a partnership of some of the UK’s biggest charities, including the RSPB and Wildlife Trusts. Exciting, isn’t it? That’s exactly what we’re offering. Using money from the Heritage Lottery; Shuttleworth College and the Greensand Country partners are looking for people to join our study programme and learn traditional, practical skills for looking after nature and the local landscape. As part of our study programme you’ll get a proper qualification, as well as lots of practical experience. You’ll also meet and work with people who will help you start a career working in the countryside and looking after some of our most beautiful places. The programme is designed to help enthusiastic people who want to learn new skills and begin a career but have struggled to find a place to start. You don’t need any qualifications or experience to apply, and you don’t need to be employed or currently doing any education or training. All you need is a passion for working in the countryside and the willingness to learn! What will the study programme involve? You’ll be based at Shuttleworth College. This study programme will give you the basic skills and knowledge needed to start a career in the conservation and heritage industry. You will meet specialist staff and work on project sites to increase your knowledge and contacts in the industry. You will be fully supported by skilled staff and have the opportunity to learn skills from the experts based at project sites. This is a wonderful chance to also be involved in changing, conserving and sharing the Greensand Country landscape for future generations.
What will you be studying? You will be studying for a BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Countryside Management. The two modules you’ll be studying are ‘An Introduction to Countryside Access and Recreation’ and ‘The Conservation and Improvement of British Habitats’. Some of the course will be at Shuttleworth College where you will improve your literacy and numeracy skills and learn basic conservation and habitat management skills You’ll also be spending time at some of the sites managed by our partners where you’ll practice your skills and learn more about the skills needed in the workplace and in the conservation and heritage industry. The last three weeks of the study programme will be a work experience placement on one of these sites. The course lasts for up to 12 weeks in total. Your study week will look like this: Week 1: Four days at Shuttleworth College for induction and initial skills development. Week 2 – 9: Three days attendance - Study and skills development in college (including English and Maths support). Inclusion of practical skills development and supported work placement at partnership sites. Week 10 – 12: Work experience placements across partner sites where appropriate and applicable For full details of the level 2 Certificate and the additional skills you will working towards please go to Appendix A at the end of the booklet.
2. Who are we looking for? We’re looking for people with a passion for conservation work and working in the heritage landscape. You don’t need qualifications or experience, just plenty of enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. In return, we’ll give you training towards a level 2 conservation qualification and the opportunity to work with local conservation and heritage charities, estates and employers for three months. You will be able to create an impressive portfolio and have the opportunity to gain references, advice and guidance from experts in the industry and a range of great organisations. Full details on the application process and skills needed are in sections 6 & 9.
3. What is the Greensand Country Landscape Partnership? The ‘Greensand Country’ is an area of countryside based around the high ground between Leighton Buzzard and Gamlingay. It contains all of Bedfordshire’s remaining heathland, more than half of its woodland, and more surviving historic parkland than any other landscape in the country. There are lots of important manor houses and estates, pretty villages and sandstone churches. The Greensand Country Landscape Partnership has been formed by a range of businesses, charities, associations and employers who are working together to look after the landscape. The partnership is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The Greensand Country Landscape Partnership scheme is looking after over 40 separate projectsprotecting the heaths and woodlands, repairing sandstone walls and other structures, creating new walking and horse riding trails, and running this study programme to teach people the skills they need to look after the landscape.
4. What can this study programme give you? As a student on this study programme we will help you get transport into college and across to the different sites. You will be able to access all the benefits of being a student including where appropriate additional study support. You will meet key staff in each of the partner organisations and groups as well as developing all of the wider skills you will need to progress into further training, an apprenticeship or the workplace. We hope you will make new friends, develop social circles and have fun whilst you are studying and on the placement. You will also have the opportunity to develop personally, to gain self-confidence, become a better team player and develop your networking skills.
5. What types of further study or job opportunities are available in conservation and heritage landscapes? Once you have completed the short study programme and work placement you will be given advice and guidance on your next steps You could carry on studying for an apprenticeship with the Greensand Country Landscape Partnership, or move on to another apprenticeship including Trees and Timber, Horticulture, Conservation or Agriculture at Shuttleworth College. You could also continue studying a full time level 1 programme at Shuttleworth College. If you would like to continue developing your practical skills and experience without studying full time you could also become a volunteer with the Greensand Country Partnership. Once you’ve completed your study and gained more experience you could apply for lots of jobs including: Park Ranger and assistant ranger Estate worker Gardener and Site Manager Woodland manager Visitor attraction co-ordinator or tour guide Conservationist and ecologist Restoration specialist of landscape and heritage structures Marketing and Promotions including production of artwork and graphics Volunteer co-ordinator Project managers Heritage building
6. What are we looking for in an applicant? (The selection criteria). Somebody that shows passion and enthusiasm for: o
Being outdoors.
o
Learning hands on skills.
o
Looking after conservation areas and heritage landscapes with rich histories within the Greensand Country.
Somebody that shows a commitment to pursue a career path in heritage, landscapes or nature conservation. Somebody that wants others to enjoy the countryside and heritage landscapes and who is able to communicate their passion and bring the stories, landscapes and history to life. Somebody that can demonstrate how they will develop from this experience by describing the benefit that this opportunity will bring to them as a person; how it will help them to build a different future and what impact this will have. Somebody that has the ability to learn and apply the skills needed to carry out the tasks required. The abilities and skills that are required are: •
The ability to learn the essential knowledge and skills needed to achieve a level 2 certificate in Countryside and Environment including the production of short reports and a portfolio of evidence. Your competence and knowledge will be assessed through a combination of: o
Being observed by your tutor.
o
Being asked oral questions or written questions.
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Your tutor or team leader writing a witness statement.
o
By collecting evidence of how you have achieved each of the skills, which can include:
o
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Photographs.
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Films.
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Written evidence.
The ability to carry out with minimal support the essential skills needed to complete practical tasks in fields, woodlands, parklands and at times sites including livestock for example; sheep, pigs, chickens and cattle.
o
The ability and willingness to understand new concepts and develop knowledge and understanding and to communicate this to others.
o
A willingness to work hard to succeed and learn new skills.
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A commitment and enthusiasm to develop personally.
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The ability to communicate with others both through the written word and verbally with face to face contact.
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The potential to be able to develop confidence to communicate with our visitors.
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The ability to access and interpret information in a written format.
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Willingness to use technology and learn new systems and applications and basic numeracy skills.
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The ability to understand and comply with instructions.
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Able to understand the nature of hazards. Take appropriate action and have a positive attitude to Health and Safety and security.
o
Shows the potential to be able to develop the skill to respond quickly and under pressure.
o
Able to take a certain level of responsibility for themselves and others.
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Able to manage own time and workload effectively.
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Willingness to think on their feet and have the ability to recognise, analyse and solve a problem.
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Has a friendly approach to working with the public and good presentation standards.
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Potential to work effectively within a team and to contribute to that team.
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Potential to work in a public environment, in and around large groups of people and children.
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Demonstrates reliability and trustworthiness.
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Shows the potential to develop initiative and plan ahead and is flexible and willing to accept and deal with change.
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Able to take and act on constructive criticism.
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Willingness and the ability to get dirty and work outside on uneven ground, on remote sites sometimes in inclement weather.
o
Able to lift heavy things, do physical work and has the dexterity and ability to use tools safely in a garden context.
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Able to follow the Greensand Country partners’ values and behaviours.
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The ability to access the site and move around site and be able to evacuate sites and buildings safely.
7. The Application Process Apply to Shuttleworth College, Old Warden Park, Biggleswade SG18 9DX Phone: 01767 626222 Email: enquiries@shuttleworth.ac.uk Applications open on the 15th of May and close on the 1st of September 2017
Come to a taster day at Shuttleworth on the 30th of August to meet the staff, talk about the study programme and try out some of the practical skills and activities you'll be learning as part of the study programme You can still apply if you can't make the taster day.
Attend an interview. On the day you will meet friendly tutors and will be given a range of activities and tasks to complete to identify your skills and abilities. Interview dates will be on the 24th of August and the 30th of August 2017 starting at 1.15 pm
You will be contacted within four days of your interview to let you know whether you have been accepted for a place on the course. You will be sent the course information and given help and advice on your transport needs.
You will start your course on the 25th of Sepbember 2017. You will enrol and start your course induction at Shuttleworth College
8. Application for the Greensand Partnership and Shuttleworth College study programme Please send your application to Shuttleworth College Old Warden Park Biggleswade SG18 9DX Tel: 01767 626222 Email: enquiries@shuttleworth.ac.uk You can send your application by post or e-mail, or drop your application off at the college. You can write your application by hand or use a computer. OR you can send us a video or voice recording which must be no more than 10 minutes long. Your application must include the following information:
a) Your full name b) Your full address and postcode c) Your contact details. Home phone number. Mobile phone number. E-mail (if applicable) d) If you have any additional needs or would need any support to help you attend an interview e) How you heard about the programme f) A summary of the following information: 1. How you feel your life could be improved by completing the Greensand Country and Shuttleworth study programme. 2. Why conservation and looking after the natural environment is important to you.
9. Where will you be training? – a summary of some of the different project sites You could be training at any of our partner’s sites. You will be given a full introduction to any sites you’re going to be working on. These are some examples of places you might be working at. Flitwick Moor (& Folly Wood) (Wildlife Trust) In the heart of the Flit valley, this superb wetland was left behind when peat was cut from the site as recently as the 1960s. The site includes woodlands of oak and birch, alder, bracken, cottongrass, ten species of Sphagnum moss and marsh pennywort. The attractive flowers of meadowsweet, purple-loosestrife and square-stalked St. John's-wort are real eye-catchers. Tall reeds fringe open water where frogs and toads spawn in the spring, its dense vegetation providing ideal cover for the elusive water rail, only given away by its eerie squealing call. In summer, warblers voice their scratchy songs and nest in the reed and sedge beds. In 2007, Folly Wood was added to the north-west corner of the reserve. It is a haven for mosses and ferns and in spring the flowers of opposite-leaved golden-saxifrage light up the woodland floor. The meadows, untouched by peat extraction, are grazed by cattle to retain their variety of wild flowers. http://www.wildlifebcn.org/reserves/flitwick-moor-folly-wood Cooper's Hill (Wildlife Trust) Bedfordshire's largest remaining area of heathland. Historically the site would have been grazed by sheep or cattle and the heather would have been used by locals as fuel, bedding and for thatching roofs.
The reserve contains large areas of heather growing together with birch and oak trees, plus gorse and broom scrub. The north western corner of the reserve supports a small area of acidic mire and ponds. Marsh violet can be found here with willow carr gently shading the water. The open heath provides a home to the common lizard and insects such as solitary bees and wasps. In the woodland towards the north of the site the mocking call of the green woodpecker can often be heard, especially when disturbed from the ground where it gathers ants. Many nesting birds take advantage of the protection of the spiky gorse. The reserve is owned by Ampthill Town Council and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). http://www.wildlifebcn.org/reserves/coopers-hill RSPB Sandy (The Lodge) The Lodge nature reserve opened in 1961. The woodland, heath and acid grassland along the Greensand Ridge cover 180 hectares, and are being restored to form the largest stretch of heathland in Bedfordshire. You can explore this attractive nature reserve along 5 miles (8 km) of trails, visit the beautifully managed gardens, the Iron Age banks and ditches on Galley Hill, or watch woodland birds from the hide. https://www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge
10. How you can find out more. Have a look at our web site: http://www.shuttleworth.ac.uk/ You are invited to come to a Taster Day …………………………. to find out more about the study programme, look around Shuttleworth College, try out some of the practical skills you’ll be learning and meet the team who you will be working with on the study programme. You can still apply even if you can’t come to the taster day. If you would like more information about any part of the study programme or how to apply, please contact ……………………….
APPENDIX A - The BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Countryside and the Environment You must complete two units to achieve this qualificationUNIT ONE Conservation and Improvement of British Habitats: Unit Introduction: The British countryside contains a wide variety of habitats. The diversity of wildlife in the UK is large but the amount of space is limited. To maximise biodiversity, the small amount of natural space needs to be managed correctly. For learners to make a positive contribution to the future of rare and sensitive habitats, they need to develop an appreciation of the many different types of habitat found in the UK. This unit focuses on the identification and management of different habitats. It will give you the opportunity to actively manage and improve habitats to benefit wildlife. You will develop your ability to recognise habitats and gather information, analyse it and draw suitable conclusions. Learning outcomes On completion of this unit you will: 1 Know about types of habitat found in the British Isles including; -
Major habitat types: upland; lowland (grassland, heathland, wet, freshwater, coastal, woodland.
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Habitat origins and development
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Characteristics including: altitude; rainfall; temperature (maximum and minimum); light levels; flora and fauna.
2 Know factors that affect wildlife in the British Isles including: -
Biotic factors: presence or absence of other plants and animals, competition, food chain Abiotic factors: soil: type, characteristics, pH, nutrients; temperature; rainfall; wind; light; humidity; aspect; shelter; water presence.
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Population factors: food supply, space, birth and death rates, migration, disease
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Human influences
3 Be able to collect and present information concerning flora and fauna including: -
Surveys of land, animals, plants and insects
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Species identification (using keys and guides) of Flora (for example, trees, wildflowers, grasses, planted crops) and Fauna (for example, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates).
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Collecting data and presentation of data including records needed for habitat conservation schemes.
4 Be able to improve a habitat including: -
Methods of improvement: reducing problems for example, neglect, overgrowth, pollution.
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Creating management plans to benefit wildlife, ecosystems, communities.
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Using tools and equipment safely, including small tractors, strimmers, spades, forks, shovels, secateurs, handsaws, clippers, hammers, pickaxes, hand fencing equipment.;
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Improvement of habitats including,: mowing, renovation, planting trees, clearing (path, fence line), coppicing, uprooting, weeding, hedge maintenance, pruning, thinning, cutting or mowing and mulching, pond, stream and ditch clearance.
UNIT TWO Introduction to Countryside Access and Recreation Unit Introduction: This subject will help you work in the countryside industry and help you gain the skills and knowledge needed. You will learn why access and recreation in the countryside are important, and the need to balance these with the need for conservation. The countryside is an extremely popular destination for many people. The number of leisure day trips to the countryside in England and Wales increases every year. The RSPB reserves alone receive more than 1 million visits a year. However, this use brings pressures which countryside managers need to understand in order to be able to manage the sites effectively. Our countryside is a major tourist destination and brings much-needed revenue into rural communities. However, it is essential that recreation and tourism are managed in a sustainable way to ensure that the very things people come to enjoy are not destroyed. Learning outcomes On completion of this unit you will: 1 Know about the opportunities for countryside recreation including: -
sports, walking, dog walking, running/jogging, orienteering, hiking, cycling, angling, golf, horse riding, water sports, trips and holidays.
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reasons for the increase in recreational activities
2 Know effects of access and recreation including: -
Environmental impacts and threats: damage or disturbance to wildlife, habitats and communities.
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Benefits to local communities including the creation of employment, generation of income, raised standards of living, improvements to infrastructure, increased revenue for local services, transport networks, improved health of individuals.
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Benefits to visitor attractions.
3 Understand the importance of countryside access and recreation including: -
Knowledge of organisations: including Natural England, The Forestry Commission, Environment Agency, RSPB, Woodland Trust, Wildlife Trust, National Trust,
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Basic legislation: basic laws relating to access and recreation
4 Be able to promote responsible use of the environment including:
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Promoting responsible use, identifying routes, using and creating information and signage and supervision.
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Promoting and advising visitors including interpretation: site history and layout; location of facilities; paths and access routes; identification of recreational opportunities; wildlife species and features of interest.
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Managing rules, restrictions and guidance - methods of providing information and advice: including face-to-face contact, guided walks, presentations, educational visits, events, multimedia methods, posters, signs, interpretation boards and leaflets.
APPENDIX B – The skills that you will develop during the Greensands Country and Shuttleworth College study programme.
Method
Skills and Knowledge Health and Safety Programme and work place standards of behaviour Working with others and teams Literacy – improving written and verbal communication skills
Personal Development
Numeracy – improving use of numbers and data for the work place Leadership skills and supporting tours Customer service – supporting and giving good advice to customers Giving others a positive impression of yourself and your workplace Building self confidence Improving fitness to work outdoors and in conservation areas Safety at work Correct and maintenance of machinery and hand tools Soil analysis and cultivation Correct planting of trees and shrubs and bulbs
Knowledge
Correct methods of pruning and cutting of trees and shrubs Survey techniques including identification of plants, animals and insects. Different habitats, their characteristics and management What is conservation and Heritage Identifying Heritage structures and landscapes
Identifying beneficial plants, animals and insects Basic legislation and rules protecting conservation and heritage sites Types, reasons, benefits and disadvantages of human activities, recreation and visitor attraction. Good methods of communicating with team leaders, employers and the public Maintaining safe working areas and keeping others safe Surveying woodland and identifying trees and shrubs Weed and pest control and removal Pruning of trees and shrubs Management and care of habitats including heathland, parks, lakes, grassland and woods. Maintaining and using powered machinery and hand tools safely Practical Skills
Identifying plants and trees Helping and advising members of the public Supporting production of interpretation boards, leaflets and website material. Creation of habitats – including planting trees, removing shrubs, replanting. Maintenance and conservation of heritage structures Creating and maintaining paths and other surfaces Creating and maintaining fences, boundaries and structures