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 and the National Park. You’ll learn with a training provider and gain practical experience that will give you an edge in the world of work. 

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

• Undertake Work-Related Experience in the Land-Based Industries 

You will obtain the skills needed to identify, participate in and review work experience in an environmental and land-based environment whilst learning about the range and scope of different roles. Our work-experience partners are Brecon Beacons National Park, and the Radnorshire Wildlife Trust, or you can find your own placement! 

• Environmental and Land-Based Business  

Understand the principles of business within the environmental and land-based sector, and how these can be applied in practice, including regulations, legislation, and business operations. 

• Introduction to Boundary Habitat Conservation 

Understand the conservation of boundaries in the landscape both for their cultural value, and for their importance for nature conservation. Assess the importance of hedgerows, traditional banks and walls, fences, ditches, field margins, road verges, railway embankments and canal sides, and assist in their management. 

• Introduction to Countryside Access and Recreation 

Develop knowledge of issues surrounding the management of land for access and recreation, and develop skills in working with the public, understanding of legal issues and promoting responsible use of the environment.  

• Undertaking Ecological Surveys and Techniques  

Identify terrestrial and aquatic species using identification keys and investigate the planning, surveying and reporting of terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Demonstrate the selection of different methods of survey, using the correct tools and equipment to accurately collect and report data collected in the field and laboratory.  

• Understand the Basic Principles of Soil Science 

Develop the knowledge required to understand the physical and chemical properties of soils and relate this to the growth of plants in the wild and in cultivation. Assess soils in order to inform soil management decisions, including the selection of appropriate fertilisers in order to encourage the desired plant growth. 

• Understand the Basic Principles of Plant Science 

Develop knowledge relating to the structure of plants by identifying their external features, develop an understanding of how plants function, the development and physiology of plants, inclusive of growth and development, plant processes, reproduction, life cycles and stages. 

*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 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, as well as throughout the National Park.  
• You will undertake land or research-based student projects in a related field. 
• You will gain employability skills through 150 hours of valuable work experience in a nature-based setting such as the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park or Radnorshire Wildlife Trust. 
• These skills 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 Core sessions, which are 1-day per week and incorporate 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 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. 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 Core Sessions are an integral part of your chosen NVQ, is part of the qualification and is 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

Core skills also delves 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. 

Location: Talgarth, Powys (LD3) and BBNP 

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.

Applications for September 2024 start are now 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.