The aim of this one or two year course is to produce competent countryside professionals who will be equipped with the knowledge and skills required to take up responsible posts in the industry, in such areas as countryside estate workers and rangers, nature reserve wardens and rights of way assistants.

The Course
The 12-unit BTEC national Certificate provides a specialist work-related programme of study that covers the key knowledge and practical skills required in the sector and also offers different emphasis through the choice of specialist units. It is broadly equivalent to two GCE A-levels or the full award AVCE.

The qualification offers an engaging programme for 16-19 year olds who are clear about the area of employment that they wish to enter. Such learners may wish to extend their programme through the study of a related A-level or other qualification. Alternatively their access to suitable work situations may allow learners to achieve an NVQ qualification in the vocational sector or individual NVQ units.

For adult learners the BTEC National Certificate offers a specialist work-related qualification to confirm and extend their work experience if they are or have been employed in the sector. It also provides a suitable qualification for those wishing to change career or move into a particular area of employment following a career break.The BTEC National Certificate in Countryside Management provides the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for those working in the sector. It also provides a progression route to higher education vocational qualifications such as BTEC Higher Nationals in Countryside Management or a degree in Environmental Management.

Attendance: 4 days per week will enable completion in one year whilst attendance at 2 days per week will require 2 years for completion. Days of attendance are dependent on choice and order of units studied.

Course Content
There are five core units and seven specialist units as follows:
All units must be attempted.

Core Units
• Ecology and Conservation
• Environmental Science
• Estate Skills
• Specialist Project Study
• Business Management

Specialist Units
• Grassland Habitat Management
• Freshwater and Wetland Management
• Forest Woodland Management
• Principles of Plant and Soil Science
• Urban Habitats and Conservation
• Environmental Interpretation
• Farm Habitat Management

Full details of the content of these units are available on the Edexcel website: www.edexcel.org.uk/qualifications and select BTEC Nationals - Land Based, followed by course title.

Entry Requirements
You are welcome to visit the College to discuss with the course tutor a study programme that will help towards your intended career. All students are assessed on an individual basis but the normal entry requirement is either
• Intermediate Level GNVQ
• Edexcel First Diploma
• 4 GCSE passes at grade A – C, including one science subject
• Other qualifications of equivalent standard
• Relevant experience or Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) in Countryside Management.

Training and Assessments Methods

Your training will include:
• an emphasis on practical skills
• an emphasis on interpersonal and communication key skills, important for working as part of a team   and with the general public
•visits to a variety of contrasting woodland, freshwater and grassland habitats, nature reserves, country parks and urban greenspace sites
• an appreciation of business, financial and IT key skills and how they relate to the environment and   the industry
• working in ‘real life’ situations including our 167 acre organic farm
• the opportunity to gain certificated LANTRA chainsaw units (additional assessment fee)
• a broad understanding and awareness of environmental issues will be of value throughout your life.

You will be assessed through practical and/or written assignments and end of unit tests throughout the course. Your work will be marked at Distinction, Merit or Pass grades. There is no end of course examination; however two units, Business Management and Specialist Project Study will be externally assessed by an Integrated Vocational Assessment (IVA).

Qualifications Gained
Success on this course results in the nationally recognised qualification of a National Certificate in Countryside Management.

There is the opportunity to gain additional qualifications eg LANTRA Chainsaw Certificate or First Aid, for which an additional fee will be charged.

Students under 19 years will be entered for Key Skills exams with 19+ having the opportunity to do so.

Progression
An additional year’s study including work placement will enable you to gain a National Diploma based on accreditation of the work covered for the National Certificate.

Venue and Facilities
This course takes place at Capel Manor’s main campus in Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, and 18 th century manor house set in 30 acres of gardens. We have access to a wide range of urban and country parks, nature reserve and private sites, where practical work is carried out, and transport is provided by minibus.

The College also leases a 167 acre farm at Forty Hall where students are involved with ongoing project work, tree planting, hedging etc, thus enhancing the long term conservation value of the site.

Working in Countryside Conservation
During the past twenty years the opportunities for employment in countryside and conservation work have expanded greatly. At present there is a steady demand for staff with practical countryside skills and, with changes in agriculture and a greater awareness of environmental issues, the demand is increasing.

Fees

Study		Day	Start Date	Course Time	19+ Annual Tuition Fee	19+ Reg Fee	Length
Full-time			Sept	9am-4pm	£792*	£150	1 or 2 years
Part-time		Flexi	Sept	9am-4pm	£396	£150	Flexi

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