Countryside

Course Factsheet

National Diploma Countryside Management (Habitat Conservation)

About the Course

Please note that this course will change to a Level 3 Extended Diploma for September 2010, as part of the nationwide restructure to fit the new National Qualifications and Credit Framework. The content and academic level will be similar and details will be published as soon as they are available. Please use the current course title on your application form for the time being.

The Countryside Management course comprises a core programme with optional routes in either habitat conservation or gamekeeping. It is designed for students aiming to achieve interesting careers in supervisory position within a wide range of work in the countryside. By choosing appropriate modules the students will make an interesting study of either conservation or gamekeeping although the general theme of both options is habitat improvement and good management of the countryside.

The habitat conservation option provides students with plenty of opportunities to obtain the knowledge and 'hands on' experience needed for managing a range of habitats such as saltmarshes, woodlands, ponds, reedbeds and grassland. Students will also learn the necessary countryside skill to manage these habitats, for example dry-stone walling, quad driving, tractor driving, hedge laying, tree planting and fencing.

The course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to enable them to proceed to higher education or employment as habitat managers, estate workers and local authority conservation officer wardens.

Entry Criteria / Additional Information

This course gives a good technical training and education providing a vocational alternative to A Levels and the opportunity for successful students to progress to Higher Education. Students are normally aged 16 or over and the following qualifications are needed:

• 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above including Mathematics, English Language and Science
• or an intermediate level course (eg First Diploma Countryside at Merit or above and one key skill at Level 2 in Application of Number or Communication)
• or equivalent qualifications.

List of Modules

Year 1

• Principles of Ecology - This module explores the fundamental principles that govern the relationships between organisms and their environment. It provides the background knowledge that is necessary to help learners appreciate the ecological interactions that will help them to manage natural resources with efficiency and sensitivity.
• Land-based Estate Construction, Repair and Maintenance Skills - This module provides the basic skills and knowledge to carry out practical estate work in the countryside and to understand the legislation governing it allowing for regional variations and needs, for flexibility in working conditions and for varying for varying environments.
• Investigative Project in the Countryside Management Sector - This module gives learners the opportunity to develop project knowledge and skills by investigating a chosen topic area through a project. The knowledge and skills developed in this module will link to and enhance most of the other module learners take as part of their programme study.
• Freshwater and Wetland Management - An understanding of flowing and still water habitats and the wetland habitats of upland and lowland Britain is provided. The hydrological cycle is explained and the important links to wildlife and habitat management identified.
• Land-based Machinery Operations - Machinery is used in a variety of land-based roles. It is important that machinery is safely prepared, used, maintained with the correct knowledge, understanding and skills. This module will provide for the development of these.
• Pest and Predator Control in Countryside Management - Provides an overview of practical methods of pests and predator control, identifying those predators that cannot be legally controlled.
• Upland Habitat Management - This module provides the knowledge and skills required to plan and carry out practical management for a variety of upland habitats. Environmental protection and health and safety issues will be stressed throughout the delivery of the module.
• Livestock Use in Conservation Management - This module aims to cover the effective use of livestock as grazing tools on conservation sites. It addresses the land management issues in conservation that are associated with the correct application, or restoration, of extensive grazing systems. The module explores the theoretical, legislative, and practical expertise necessary for the effective use of large herbivores as a management tool. The module involves some practical livestock handling.
• Principles of Plant and Soil Science - This covers all the relevant science that applies to plant growth and development. The soil science involves a practical understanding of soils and the ways in which they need to be managed.

Year 1 & 2

• Work Related Experience in the Countryside Management Sector - This module provides the opportunity to develop important general skills and abilities for employment and to reflect on and analyse personal development. Work placement experience is an essential part of this module. Students must gain experience of working within real working environments in the industry.

Year 2

• Physical and Biological Environmental Processes - This module provides an opportunity to study how physical and biological processes maintain life on earth and how humans affect them. The module will outline the environmental systems of the earth-atmosphere, lithosphere, biosphere and hydrosphere.
• Fishery Management - This module will help learners to develop a general understanding of freshwater ecology and sport fishery management principles and techniques. It will enable learners to appreciate the freshwater habitat types and the species that live within them, to understand the sport fishery industry in the UK and to develop practical fishery management skills.
• Environmental Issues and Policies - Learners hoping to enter these professions must be up to date with current thinking and be aware of possible consequences for the natural environment. This module will introduce relevant issues and policies and prepare learners for higher education and future employment.
• Grassland Habitat Management - This module provides the underpinning knowledge to carry out practical grassland habitat management. This module covers identification of grassland types, appropriate management techniques and recognition of financial assistance for a management practice.
• Farm Habitat Management - This module provides the knowledge and skills required to manage and maintain characteristic farm habitats and species in the UK. It places these activities in an historical context and investigates the impact of changes in this landscape on farmland biodiversity. The module content includes the methods to enhance, create and restore habitats and the skills needed to survey and establish their condition and value.
• Ecological Concepts and Application- This module builds on the fundamental material covered in the module Principles of Ecology. Its purpose is to extend the theoretical concepts, and to consider the practical applications of these concepts in the field. In doing this it provides a link between the practical aspects of countryside management and the scientific justification for management.
• Urban Habitat Conservation - An introduction to a wide range of urban habitats is provided. An examination of the most important conservation and management issues facing towns and cities is made.
• Woodland Ecology - Provides knowledge on woodland plant identification and how to recognise important historical and ecological features in woodland. This is essential for managing woodlands for wildlife and game birds.

Industrial / Work Experience

Students are required, with the help of the College, to obtain work experience with an appropriate work organisation one day each week of term time. This must total a minimum of 400 hours over the two years of the course.

Possible Careers / Jobs

Opportunities include countryside ranger, reserve warden and work with organisations such as RSPB, Environment Agency, Local Wildlife Trusts and Local Authorities.

Progression

The course is regarded as a good route of progression to the FdSc Ecology and Conservation Management. Some students choose to enter the industry directly after completing the National Diploma and they are eligible to study for the Foundation Degree on a part-time basis.

How To Apply

To apply for this course, complete the Application Form . Additional printed copies are available from Course Enquiries, Tel: 01995 642211 E-mail: enquiries@myerscough.ac.uk

Please return the completed application form to the Admissions Office, Myerscough College, Bilsborrow, Preston PR3 0RY

Myerscough College - general contact details

Address: Myerscough College, St Michael's Road, Bilsborrow, Preston
Lancashire PR3 0RY
Telephone: 01995 642211 Email: enquiries@myerscough.ac.uk Website: www.myerscough.ac.uk

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