ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

ACADEMY OF LAND AND ENVIRONMENT

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

REWARDING

Start your journey towards a challenging and rewarding career in conservation

Do you want to help protect the UK’s natural environment?

If you’re keen to work outdoors and to learn how to protect the British countryside, Reaseheath is the perfect place for you to study!

The British countryside, and the wildlife it supports, is increasingly under threat and our climate is changing. For people who are passionate about our great outdoors, there are careers in conservation which could give you the chance to help make a positive impact on our environment.

Our environmental conservation courses have been designed to equip you with the scientific knowledge and practical skills to start your journey towards a challenging and rewarding career in conservation. You’ll cover a broad range of subjects through practical sessions and classroom activities whilst carrying out coastal habitat surveys, undertaking woodland management and working with local communities on a host of outreach projects.

You’ll also have the chance to go on a range of field trips in the UK and maybe abroad, for a variety of experiences studying in the countryside.

At a glance

Level 2 Diploma in Land and Environment Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Land and Wildlife Management (Conservation) (with Diploma and Certificate options) Technical Baccalaureate in Land and Wildlife Management (Conservation)

WHY STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION AT REASEHEATH?

Our courses are industry focused and our inspirational teaching staff have all worked in the industry, so you will be sure to learn a lot of relevant skills and knowledge needed for your future career. Become career ready by learning practical skills such as field surveying and animal and plant identification, while gaining great hands-on experience.

Hear from leading industry practitioners from organisations including The Canal and River Trust, The Black Fish, RSPB, English Heritage and Cheshire Wildlife Trust. Put your learning into real life practice with an industry placement. We work closely with partners such as the National Trust, Forestry Commission and Wildlife Trusts.

Join field trips where you’ll explore the UK and possibly overseas. In the past we have been to the Isle of Skye and Tenerife. Tackle field work projects including habitat management of ponds for dragonflies.

Where could your career take you?

The nature of our courses mean that your career progression options are truly diverse. Many of our students choose to further their studies at university whilst others go straight into employment in the industry.

You could find yourself investigating the importance of UK ecology to support conservation through improving wildlife habitats and recording species numbers across the UK.

Your career options with an environmental conservation qualification are as diverse as the British countryside you will be working in! A number of key roles you could progress on to include:

• Ranger

Conservation assistant or officer • Environmental ecologist

• Forest Schools practitioner

• Countryside contractor

• Environmental project manager

University study

If you wanted to further your skills after your course with us, you could progress onto higher level study at university. Many of our students go on to complete a degree or foundation degree at University Centre Reaseheath, for example in Environmental Science or Countryside Resource Management, to gain more advanced knowledge and extra experience to enhance their career prospects.

INDUSTRY FOCUSED

We will help you prepare for work in this industry. There are over 3,000 environmental conservation organisations in the UK which you could work for. Jobs are competitive but if you’ve got the drive and determination, there are plenty of opportunities! Annie’s story

Annie Newport

Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Land and Wildlife Management 2017 Foundation Degree Environmental Science for Conservation 2019 BSc (Hons) Environmental Systems Management 2020 Job title: Estate presentation assistant, Tatton Park ranger team “I’m passionate about finding ways to manage the countryside so it benefits both wildlife and people.

“For my BSc I researched the effect of neonicotinoids on bees and whether there are alternative ways of managing crop pests. I wanted to prove that natural methods are as effective as insecticides. I felt well prepared for my degree because my Level 3 studies taught me to be curious and think independently. We also learned to use technology such as soil and water testing kits and phone linked data.

“I’m hoping to become a park ranger or environmental consultant. I did my diploma work placement at Tatton Park, continued volunteering and now have a job with the ranger team.”

Clair’s story

Clair Cartwright

Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Land and Wildlife Management (Environmental Conservation) 2021 School: The Whitby High School, Ellesmere Port Next step: Study abroad for a degree Ambition: Wildlife conservationist “This course has helped me to appreciate how fragile ecosystems are and the steps we need to take to rebalance ourselves alongside nature.

“I’ve enjoyed the outdoor projects like surveying wildlife areas and building hedgehog habitats. It’s great to know we’ve made a difference while learning. The academic side has been good too, I’ve learned fascinating and new skills in the labs.

“The lecturers are brilliant. They’re passionate, amazing people who love what they do and want to inspire the next generation.

“I’m currently an Open Garden Co-ordinator for Cheshire Wildlife Trust, planning fundraising events and co-ordinating volunteers. Eventually I’d like to work for an international conservation group. That would be really satisfying and worthwhile!” Your Reaseheath Experience

It’s non-stop action for our conservation students. From working on campus to getting involved in community-based projects, there’s so many opportunities to gain valuable experience that will stand you in great stead to get a job or go onto further studies once you’ve finished your course.

The focus of this course is on the UK countryside, but if you’ve got your sights set on working further afield, you’ll gain lots of transferable skills, so you’ll be well equipped to work anywhere in the world!

Study tours will give you the chance to socialise with your classmates, make industry connections and explore the countryside in more depth, like our most recent trips to Anglesey and the Shropshire Wildlife Trust. Students took part in surveys and lots of other practical conservation work, all adding to their practical skills and knowledge while exposing them to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the UK.

Our environmental conservation students also enjoyed an overseas study tour to Tenerife. The focus of the trip was marine conservation with students undertaking important research into the islands’ dolphin and whale populations.

Watch our student’s study tour to Preston Montford at bit.ly/PrestonMontford2019

Benefit from our industry links

We have strong training partnerships with key environmental organisations including the National Trust, the Forestry Commission and the Wildlife Trusts. As part of your course you will complete an industry relevant work placement giving you valuable experience for your CV.

You’ll also do additional industry qualifications such as chainsaw handling and safe use of brushcutters, all to help complement your core studies and further enhance your employability.

Industry view

Howard Jones

RSPB Investigations Officer “I began my own career by studying for a Diploma in Countryside Management at a land-based college. I gained knowledge and confidence and also volunteered with my local Wildlife Trust.

“The whole package helped me get my first job with the RSPB and I spent four years doing a variety of roles before moving into the wildlife crime team. I now raise awareness of wildlife crime among professionals and the general public and I also work with police and partner agencies to secure convictions.

“Apart from being hugely rewarding, I think my job illustrates the variety of careers on offer in the conservation and wildlife management sector.”

CAREER READY

Did you know that the average salary for Environmental Conservation jobs in the North West in 2019 was £35,600 a year? Whatever your career aspirations are, we want to help you achieve them!

Working in the community

Birdwatching, bush craft and campfire cooking were among the Forest School activities led by our environmental conservation students at St John’s CE Primary School in Sandbach.

Our students also redeveloped woodland in the school grounds to make it more accessible for both pupils and wildlife. They selectively felled trees, built habitat piles, designed and installed a bird screen and renovated a fire pit.

A local Rainbow Girl Guiding group also enjoyed working with our students building bat boxes to place around the church site where they meet.

Where you’ll be studying

Studying amongst 330 hectares of farms, parklands, lake and woodland means you’re never far from the environment we love! Our beautiful campus provides plenty of opportunities for you to develop your practical skills and you’ll be close to some of the best countryside the UK has to offer – with Cannock Chase, The Roaches, the Peak District and North Wales right on the doorstep. Our courses

Whether you’re considering a career in countryside management, environmental education, consultancy, ecology or as a ranger, our environmental conservation courses will give you a head-start in the industry.

Our knowledgeable staff, community links and industry partnerships will ensure that you leave college with the practical skills and knowledge industry are looking for.

Level 2 Diploma in Land and Environment This is a great way to prepare for progression onto a Level 3 course within the academy. You will learn about a variety of topics including animal husbandry, crops, livestock, improvement of habitats and much more.

Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Land and Wildlife Management (Conservation) (with Diploma and Certificate options) A two year programme that is equivalent to 3 A Levels with the UCAS points needed for university

Technical Baccalaureate in Land and Wildlife Management (Conservation) The equivalent of 4.5 A Levels, this includes a Level 3 maths qualification plus industry project

Discover our courses: reaseheath.ac.uk/conservation