Forestry & Arboriculture
NVQ Level 2 Diploma

Course introduction

Start your career in the trees and timber sector with hands-on, practical training!

Our Level 2 in Forestry and Arboriculture is perfect for those looking to work outdoors, care for natural landscapes, and learn the skills needed to manage trees, woodlands, and green spaces sustainably. This course is ideal for anyone wanting to build a strong foundation in the forestry and arboriculture industry.

This course is offered in partnership with NPTC Group of Colleges.

What will i learn

Throughout the course, there’s a strong focus on health and safety, including using PPE, conducting risk assessments, and maintaining safe working practices to protect both people and the environment.

You will cover a wide range of essential and relevant skills, with a particular focus on sustainability:

• Tree Identification and Properties – Learn to identify common tree species in the UK and understand their growth habits, properties, and uses.
• Planting Trees – Develop the skills to plant and care for trees, ensuring they are healthy, safe from animals and diseases, and have optimal growth conditions.
• Chainsaw Maintenance and Use – Gain practical skills in safely maintaining and using chainsaws for cross-cutting and tree felling.
• Coppicing and Greenwood Working – Process coppice materials and create greenwood products while learning traditional woodland management techniques.
• Site Maintenance and Construction – Build and repair site structures, maintain equipment, and manage boundaries without disturbing wildlife.
• Vegetation and Pest Control – Learn how to identify and control unwanted vegetation, pests, diseases, and disorders, using environmentally friendly methods.
• Environmental Conservation – Understand how to promote responsible public use of the environment while safeguarding natural habitats and ecosystems.
• Teamwork and Management – Plan and allocate work for a team, set objectives and monitor performance and identify improvements. Improve communication skills and become an effective and supportive team leader.

Within this NVQ, students will also undertake an external Chainsaw Maintenance and Felling Course, providing you with an additional, sought-after qualification. This involves 5 days’ intensive training, followed by a practical assessment and will be separate from your normal classes. You will be informed of the dates with plenty of notice.

Why study FORESTRY & aRBORICULTURE?

You will study in beautiful and unique woodland settings. This course equips you with the knowledge and skills to work sustainably with nature, contributing to the conservation and management of our natural landscapes.

Graduates from this course can pursue a variety of career pathways or self-employment opportunities in roles such as:

• Forestry Worker
• Tree Surgeon
• Arborist Assistant
• Woodland Conservation Officer
• Environmental Ranger
• Countryside Ranger

You can also progress to further study, including:

• Level 3 or higher in Forestry and Arboriculture, Coppicing, Agroecology and Land Management, Environmental Conservation or Woodland and Wildlife Management courses
• Use this qualification towards entry to the BMC undergraduate course, BA (Hons) Sustainable Futures: Arts, Ecology and Systems Change

Why study at BMC

• Our course tutors are inspired teachers with extensive experience from a broad spectrum of forestry, coppicing and green woodworking, bringing innovative techniques and unique knowledge.
• No exams!  You will produce a portfolio of evidence throughout the year and be assessed via practical observations, or brief oral tests.
• In unique 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 2 module 1-day per week, 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 will receive additional teaching and support to study for these qualifications alongside their NVQ.

*Course contents may be subject to change without notice. Known as C&G Work-Based Trees & Timber.