NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Nature Recovery

What will I learn?

This course is ideal for students who want to further their experience of working in the countryside to increase their ability and confidence. You will study in beautiful, real-life training settings, within the Welsh Black Mountains.

The course typically covers:

• Introduction to Nature Recovery and People:

Gain an understanding of the importance of biodiversity and ecosystems for both nature and humans. Explore current environmental challenges and review existing conservation strategies and projects.

• Habitat Management:

Learn techniques for managing various types of habitats, and develop practical skills in habitat restoration and maintenance, including tree planting, hedge laying, and scything.

Understand how the maintenance work you do is affected by environmental value in terms of biodiversity, historical and archaeological value. Learn about actions to take in the case of accidental damage to a habitat, wildlife or landscape, and how the work fits into local biodiversity action plans.

• Wildlife Identification and Monitoring:

Learn to identify key species of plants and animals through a variety of techniques and acquire methods for surveying, recording and reporting on wildlife and habitats. Distinguish between different types of habitats by identifying defining characteristics.

Conduct basic survey work relating to the natural environment for habitat types and plants. Undertake practical work in terms of surveying and recording wildlife and habitats and collecting samples for analysis out in the field before reporting on the outcomes.

• Conservation Practices:

Explore diverse practices for sustainable land use and learn techniques for soil and water conservation. Obtain the knowledge and skills required to maintain environmental good practice at work and minimise damage to the environment, covering pollution incidents, waste materials, and physical disturbance.

Establish and protect woodland vegetation through practical work, which includes sowing, planting and encouraging natural regeneration. Learn about the effects positioning, mix and density of establishment can have on the growth of vegetation, habitat and landscape quality, and identify methods of encouraging natural regeneration. Discover ways in which vegetation can be damaged, and how to protect this.

• Environmental Legislation and Policy:

Gain an overview of relevant environmental laws and policies and learn about the roles of government and non-governmental organisations in conservation.

• Community Engagement and Public Access:

Develop strategies for raising awareness and involving local communities in nature recovery projects, whilst enhancing your skills in effectively communicating conservation messages. Learn how you can safeguard members of the public and the environment during site visits through promoting H&S procedures, following current legislation and encourage use of the site in a way which causes minimal damage and disturbance to the land, wildlife, and flora and fauna.

• Practical Conservation Projects:

Design and deliver a land restoration project at our farm, Troed Yr Harn. Gain hands-on experience through participation in a variety of local conservation projects.

Learn to install other structures which are not boundaries or access structures, for example, large hides, screens, benches and bins. Identify the most appropriate area to install a structure suitable to site conditions, taking into consideration sloping, drainage, access, materials, timescales, suitability and local tradition.

Learn to solve real-world problems in relation to conservation and prepare for a career after your course.

• Health and Safety in Conservation Work:

Learn to ensure personal and team safety during fieldwork, whilst understanding risk assessments and safe working practices, especially during remote locations. Learn about systems and procedures for H&S, and how these may be affected by location. Be able to use appropriate equipment, PPE, and materials or equipment safely. Look at how to minimise environmental damage during any practical work.

• Communication and Relationship Building:

Work effectively with others through clear communication and co-operation. Improve teamwork skills in practical fieldwork sessions, and promote effective working relationships. Use your improved communication skills to communicate clearly with members of the public, promoting sustainable and safe countryside access to the public whilst ensuring equal access.

*these may be subject to change 

Why study Nature Recovery?

You may be new to countryside, nature, and environment work, or have some knowledge and basic skills. You want to develop your skills, perhaps to start work as a park ranger or prepare for further training. 

The BMC Level 2 in Nature Recovery 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 Environmental Conservation, or Countryside and Environment
• Start a career working with a National Park, Wildlife Trust, or land management company
• Use this qualification towards entry to the BMC undergraduate course, BA (Hons) Sustainable Futures: Arts, Ecology, and Systems Change 

The qualification could provide an introduction or pathway into a variety of future career opportunities including:  

• Countryside Ranger  
• Conservation Officer  
• Nature Recovery Advisor 
• Surveyor  
• Ecologist  
• Positions in Land Management 
• Environmental Consultant 
• Nature Restoration management  

Why study at BMC?

• The course takes place in a unique learning environment on a regenerative farm on the outskirts of Talgarth.
• You will undertake practical conservation student projects.
• Learn real-world, practical skills which are in high demand.
• 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 Nature Recovery sessions, students will undertake the BMC Change in Practice module, which is 1-day per week and incorporates eco-literacy, climate literacy, sustainability and aspects surrounding our environment. 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 Change in Practice Module 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 Change in Practice Module?

Alongside the NVQ, students will participate in unique and innovative Change in Practice module, covering real-life skills, supplemented with educational trips, guest speakers, outdoor learning, and practical experiences. You will develop vital skills, knowledge and understanding for the future; to not only support your career success but also to empower you to take a role in making the world a better place for future generations.

These sessions are an integral part of your chosen NVQ, are part of the qualification and are not optional. This part of the course is designed to support:

• Health and wellbeing skills
• Communication skills
• Informational and study skills
• Business skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Art and crafts skills
• Writing, thinking and storytelling skills

We also delve into certain topics, such as energy, life, habitats, and earth cycles as well as providing time to reflect on coppicing, horticulture, and nature recovery and explore life choices. 

Students will also undertake mini projects, where they will work with a local organisation on a task and carry out a research project based on a scenario around a commodity that is commonly used. These projects can relate to your chosen NVQ. Previous students have completed fencing, gardening, riverbank design, biochar making, dormice nest box building, land or ecological surveying, water harvesting, beehive building, and many more projects!

How much does it cost?

Our Level 2 NVQs 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. 

Additional costs for Nature Recovery: sturdy wellies and gloves. £50 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?

Nature Recovery is classed full-time, but the contact time required is 3-full-days a week. There is an element of self-guided learning too. 

Course Length: 1-year from September to July. 

Study Days: Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays

Location: Talgarth, Powys (LD3)

What are the entry requirements?

There are minimal entry requirements, although if you are aged 16-18 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! 

Please note that a basic level of ICT skills is beneficial for this course. 

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. You will have regular assignments to complete, these will be in the form of posters, leaflets and some written reports. 

How to apply

Complete and submit an application form when they open in 2025.

Applications for September 2024 start are now CLOSED. You can register your interest for 2025 NOW and we will inform you when applications open!

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.