NVQ L2 DIPLOMA IN COPPICING & GREENWOOD TRADES

What will I learn?

Coppicing is an approach that can increase the biodiversity of woodland, as well as provide a sustainable source of timber for green wood products and energy.  Students will study in beautiful and unique woodland settings. This course is ideal for students who want to further their experience of working in forestry to increase their ability and confidence.

Modules covered include the following, each will have a particular focus on sustainability:

• Sharpen and Maintain edged hand tools
• Carry out maintenance of chainsaw and cutting system
• Cut, process and extract coppice
• Identify tree species and their properties
• Fell and process trees up to 380mm
• Control pollution incidents
• Build and maintain tools and devices to process coppice and greenwood products
• Maintain coppice health and productivity
• Plant Trees
• Cross-cut timber using a chainsaw
• Monitoring and maintaining health and safety
• Produce wood fuel in a woodland or forest (Treherbert ONLY)
• Site and install site furniture and structures (Treherbert ONLY)
• Hedgelaying (Talgarth ONLY)

Within this NVQ, students will also undertake a Chainsaw Maintenance and Training Course, providing you with an additional, sought-after qualification.

Modules may differ slightly depending on your chosen location (Talgarth or Treherbert)

Why study Sustainable Coppicing and Green Wood Work Skills?

The Level 2 in Coppicing and Greenwood Trades will give you the skills you need to pursue a sustainable and rewarding career.

After this course, students may be able to:

• Move into a Level 3 course in Green Woodworking and Coppicing
• Use transferable skills for employment opportunities in the trees and timber sector
• Start a career as a self-employed or salaried tree surgeon or woodworker
• Use this qualification towards entry to the BMC undergraduate course
• Move on to other higher education courses such as Forestry or Arboriculture

Why study at BMC?

• Course tutors, Jed Needs and Ben Kelleher, have extensive experience from a broad spectrum of coppicing and green woodworking, bringing up-to-date techniques and knowledge.
• The course takes place in unique learning environments.
• Students without the necessary grades (grade 4/ C or above) will get additional teaching and support to study for GCSE English and maths.
• Alongside the Regenerative Horticulture, students will undertake the BMC Core sessions, which are 1-day per week and incorporate eco-literacy, climate literacy, aspects surrounding our environment, ecology, sustainability, as well as exploring topics such as food, water, and transport. This is an innovative programme, supporting students’ development and understanding and career opportunities in the context of an urgent climate crisis.
• Your learning experience within our BMC Core Sessions will be supplemented with various activities, day trips, guest lectures, and a project of your choice.
• BMC’s learning model, applied across all courses, integrates the head, hands and heart, multi-sensory protocols, outdoor learning and multiple hierarchies of knowledge or ways of knowing.

What will I do within the BMC Core Sessions?

Alongside the NVQ, students will participate in unique and innovative Core modules, covering real-life skills, supplemented with educational trips, guest speakers, outdoor learning, and practical experiences. These Core Sessions are an integral part of your chosen NVQ.  In this part of the course students will investigate these topics:

• Water
• Energy
• Money – circular economy
• Food systems
• Farming, agriculture, and soil
• Conservation and ecology
• Sustainability
• Work on a chosen project to help you gain additional skills to support your chosen NVQ.

How much will it cost?

Our Level 2 NVQs in Regenerative Horticulture and Coppicing & Greenwood Trades are fully funded for over 16’s who are UK residents with no upper age limit. You do not need to repay any tuition fees, our NVQs are completely free!

We never want money to be a barrier to your education – there are also a lot of options available to support you with living costs whilst you study! Visit our Further Education Student Finance page for more information on what you could be entitled to during your studies.

There will be some costs for specialist equipment as follows:

Safety boots, gloves, head-gear and eye protectors, chainsaw trousers, personal 1st Aid kit. £340 approx.

You will have the option to purchase these yourself, apply for a grant from us or borrow them from BMC.

What are the study hours?

Coppicing and Greenwood Trades is classed full-time, but the contact time required is 3 full days a week. There is an element of self-guided learning too.

Lessons will run on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in both locations

Course Length: 1-year from the beginning of September until the start of July

Location: Talgarth, Powys or Treherbert, RCT

What are the entry requirements?

There are minimal entry requirements, although you will need to have gained a Grade C/4 in Maths and English GCSE by the end of the course if you have not done so already, and we can help you with that. You will need to complete an application form and complete a short interview showing your passion for the course and your potential.

Minimum age: 16 years. There is no upper age limit!

How will I be assessed?

You will produce a portfolio of evidence throughout the year. You will generally be assessed via observations of your practical work, and monitoring of your portfolio. Some assessments may be in the form of a brief oral test, and some of your worksheets may be used for assessment purposes.

How to apply

Complete and submit an application form.

2023-24 applications are NOW CLOSED but you can register your interest for a 2024 start!

Questions

If you’d like to ask us any questions, join one of our taster sessions or arrange to have a chat with the tutor, email us.