Forestry & Arboriculture
Level 3 90-credit Diploma

Course introduction

Our Level 3 in Forestry & Arboriculture is designed for those looking to deepen their skills in traditional woodland management and sustainable forestry and land-based practices with an emphasis on sustainability, health & safety, and ecological responsibility.

Through practical modules in woodland planning and protection, silviculture, tree planting, chainsaw use, and more, students will gain the knowledge and confidence to manage woodlands responsibly, support nature recovery, and explore a meaningful outdoor career. With the opportunity to lead your own investigative project and work alongside local woodland groups, this course is ideal for anyone looking to combine practical skill-building with ecological understanding and real-world impact.

This course is 50% practical work outdoors, and 50% classroom, assessment and project based. Your projects can be highly practical if you choose!

Note that we require applicants to hold both ‘Fell and Process Trees up to 380mm’ and ‘Maintenance & Cross-Cutting’ chainsaw qualifications to be eligible for this course.

In partnership with NPTC Group of Colleges.

What will i learn

All modules have an emphasis on sustainability and health & safety. You will cover the following:

• Undertake an Investigative Project in the Land-based Sector – Design, deliver and present your own independent project on a topic that reflects your interests and future career goals in sustainable land-based work. Whether it’s establishing a forest food garden, experimenting with hedgelaying techniques, planting a new coppice woodland, or crafting a unique greenwood product, you’ll take a project from concept through research, planning and practical execution.
• Understanding Woodland Management – Develop the ability to create and assess woodland management plans that are functional, sustainable and legally sound. You’ll visit unmanaged or under-managed local woodlands, evaluate their current condition and needs, and develop comprehensive plans that take into account biodiversity, health and safety, economics, protected species, and long-term land use.
• Understand and Carry Out Forest and Woodland Skills – A practical module focused on essential forestry operations. Gain hands-on experience in fencing, drainage systems, vegetation control, and cultivating and plant trees.
• Understand the Principles of Tree Felling and Chainsaw Use – This unit includes chainsaw maintenance, felling small trees (up to 380mm in diameter at felling height) and stump removal. You’ll also survey and inspect trees, cross cut small diameter timber, stack crosscut timber manually, and learn how to undertake emergency arboricultural operations.
• Understand the Principles of Silviculture – Gain a solid foundation in silviculture – the science of growing and managing trees. You’ll study woodland systems used for commercial and conservation purposes, along with techniques for improving and harvesting woodlands, including how different approaches affect biodiversity, timber production, and long-term forest health.
• Measure Trees and Carry Out Woodland Sampling – Understand how to measure trees and woodlands using industry-standard methods. You’ll learn how to calculate timber volumes, assess woodland resources, and create effective sampling schemes. With fieldwork alongside partners like Talgarth Woodland Group and the Woodland Trust, this unit prepares you to collect and analyse data for real-world forestry work and woodland planning.
• Understand and Carry Out Tree and Shrub Planting, Aftercare and Protection for Forestry and Arboriculture – Learn the full cycle of tree and shrub establishment – from site preparation to long-term care. Through hands-on learning at our tree nursery, you’ll gain the skills to assess sites, select appropriate stock, plant trees, and ensure their survival and protection, while considering legal, ecological and seasonal factors.
• Understanding Principles of Forest Recreation – Discover how to support public access and recreational use of forests. You’ll explore how to plan and maintain boundaries, paths, signage, and site furniture – developing practical infrastructure skills while balancing ecological protection and visitor experience.
• Understanding Land-Based Machinery – Gain essential knowledge of how land-based machinery works and how to use it safely and effectively. Explore the layout, systems, and controls of key machines used, and learn how to carry out daily safety checks, basic maintenance, and adjustments, while understanding the legal requirements and safety gear needed for safe operation. You’ll also consider how conditions affect machine performance.
• Understand the Legislation Relating to Trees in the UK – Explore the legal landscape of tree and woodland management in the UK. You’ll learn about statutory protection for trees, common law principles, hedgerow legislation, and the responsibilities of landowners.

Assessments at Level 3 are in the form of report writing, research, verbal assessments, and practical observations. There are no exams!

Why study FORESTRY?

Students will study in beautiful and unique woodland settings. This course is ideal for students who want to deepen their current knowledge & experience of working in forestry while opening doors to further study and employment opportunities.

After this course, students may be able to:

• Progress to Level 4 and above qualifications in Forestry or Coppicing e.g. Foundation Degree/Higher National Diploma
• Use this qualification towards entry to the BMC undergraduate course
• Use this recognised qualification and transferable skills for employment opportunities in the trees and timber sector
• Work in the forestry & woodland management sector as a Coppice Worker, Forestry Operative, Arboricultural Officer, Forestry Officer, or Woodland Manager
• Gain work or use this qualification to gain entry in the conservation & environmental sector as a Conservation Ranger, Estate Worker, or work towards a Forestry Environmental Consultant
• Work in tree care as a Tree Surgeon, Arborist or Woodland Surveyor
• Start a career in greenwood crafts and traditional skills as a self-employed or salaried Craftsperson, Woodworker, or Hedge Layer
• Go down the business route and start a career in timber & woodland product sales!
• Set up your own businesses in coppicing, greenwood crafts, woodland consultancy, or tree surgery.

This recognised qualification opens doors to careers or further study in forestry, conservation, rural crafts, and arboriculture, with opportunities to work for forestry companies, conservation organisations, local councils, national parks, estates, environmental charities, or as a self-employed professional.

Why study at BMC

• Our course tutors are inspired teachers with extensive experience from a broad spectrum of coppicing and greenwood working, bringing up to date techniques and unique knowledge.
• No exams! You will produce a portfolio of evidence throughout the year and be assessed via practical observations and oral tests.
• In unque learning environments, learn real-world practical skills that will help you achieve your goals in the future. As a part of your course, you will undertake the BMC Change in Practice Level 3 module, which will enable you to develop your understanding and skills around sustainable development and employability. In this module, you will cover a diverse range of topics, such as ecosystems and biodiversity, active citizenship and project development.
• Your learning experience will be enhanced through practical activities, field trips, guest lectures, and projects relating to your subject.
• Students under the age of 18 without Grade 4/ C or above in English and Maths at GCSE level can opt to receive additional teaching and support to study for these qualifications alongside their course.

*course content may be subject to change