This is a 2 year, Level 3 course, which aims to provide you with the skills and knowledge required to carry out practical conservation and management work in the countryside. The course will offer you the opportunity to become proficient in a wide range of skills and will emphasise the importance of having a positive approach to conservation.

The Course
The 18-unit BTEC National Diploma extends and deepens the specialist focus available in the 12-unit Certificate. The qualification prepares learners for employment in the sector and will be suitable for 16-19 year olds who have already decided that they wish to enter this area of work. Some adult learners may wish to make the commitment required by this qualification in order to enter a specialist area of employment or progress into higher education. Other learners may want to extend the specialism that they followed on the BTEC National Certificate programme. Progression from this qualification may well be into employment where learners may progress to professional body exams. Alternatively learners may progress to degree or other higher-education studies in that sector or a related one.

The BTEC National Diploma in Countryside Management provides the knowledge, understanding and skills for learners wishing to enter careers dealing with policy and planning associated with Countryside organisations and their relationship with other similar organisations and local authorities, eg Countryside Agency, RSPB, local councils.It also may provide progression to higher education vocational qualifications such as BTEC Higher Nationals in Countryside Management or a degree in Environmental Science. This qualification programme provides access to more specialist units and therefore broadens and deepens the learners experience in preparation for the world of work.

The course extends over two academic years, 4 days per week, including a minimum of 400 hours industrial placement.

First Year (September - June)
You will spend in College studying core and specialist units which train you for a range of skills and provide a broad background knowledge. Each week will consist of a mix of theory and practical work on a range of nature reserves and countryside sites.

Second Year
Will begin in September and you will study a further range of units until early March.

Industrial Placement
Students spend at least 10 weeks on industrial placement between March and July. You will be assisted in finding placements in areas that are of interest to you and develop your practical and key skills. There may be opportunities for continuing industrial placement after the end of the course.

Course Content
There are seven core units and eleven specialist units as follows:

Core Units
• Ecology and Conservation
• Environmental Science
• Estate Skills
• Industry Experience
• Principles of Plant and Soil Science
• Specialist Project Study
• Business Management

Specialist Units
• Sustainable Development
• Classification and Identification
• Heathland Habitat Management
• Grassland Habitat Management
• Environmental Interpretation
• Freshwater and Wetland Management
• Forest Woodland Management
• Urban Habitats and Conservation
• Countryside Policies and Recreation
• Farm Habitat Management
• Ecology of Trees, Woods and Forests

Entry Requirements
You are welcome to visit the College to discuss with a 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
• An Intermediate Level GNVQ
• Edexcel First Diploma
• 4 GCSE passes at grade A – C, including one science subject
• Other qualifications of equivalent standard
• Relevant experience, Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) or a National Certificate in Countryside   Management.
• NVQ level 2 in Environmental Conservation

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 in this course leads to the nationally recognised award of an Edexcel National Diploma in Countryside Management. There will be the opportunity to gain additional qualifications, eg LANTRA Chainsaw Certificate / First Aid, for which an additional fee will be charged. Students under 19 years will also be entered for Key Skills exams with 19+ students having the option to do so.

Progression
The National Diploma will allow entry to HND and degree courses and the combination of both theoretical knowledge and practical skills is most favoured by employers.

Venue and Facilities
This course takes place at Capel Manor’s main campus in Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, an 18 th century manor house set in 30 acres of gardens. We have access to a wide range of urban and country parks, nature reserves 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*	£160	2 years
Part-time		Flexi	Sept	9am-4pm	£396	£160	Flexi

Please note that exam fees may be subject to change by the awarding bodies

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