Regenerative Horticulture
NVQ Level 3 Diploma

Course introduction

Regenerative Horticulture combines soil ecology with the design principles of permaculture, organic production, and ‘no-dig’ techniques to create sustainable growing systems that enhance biodiversity and feed us with nutrient dense foods. Soil ecology is the foundation of horticulture, and the soil biome should be a fully functioning web of micro and macro-organisms that provide the plants we grow with a full array of nutrients and immune system services to enable healthy growth.

No dig and composting techniques are employed to repair the damage that has been done to the soil food web. Permaculture provides a framework of ethics and holistic design principles that are based on an observation and mimicry of the natural environment. Organic growing ensures the protection of the soil food web and ourselves from the harmful effects of pesticides and inorganic fertilizers.

Our Level 3 in Regenerative Horticulture is designed for those passionate about sustainable growing, environmental impact, and creating thriving ecosystems. This course blends theory and practical skills, giving you the confidence and competence to work with nature to grow food, design landscapes, and manage habitats and estates in an environmentally responsible way.

In partnership with NPTC Group of Colleges

What will i learn

We place an emphasis on soil science, as soil health is foundation of regenerative land management, sustainable food production, increased carbon storage, and improvements in water holding capacity to help reduce climate change impacts.

Health and safety is central to every module and you will learn about using PPE, conducting risk assessments, and maintaining safe working practices to protect both people and the environment.

Each module is designed to build your confidence and competence by developing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in a variety of real-world situations, with a strong focus on minimising environmental impact and working in a sustainable way. Units covered include:

• Principles of Plant Science – Understand how plants grow and develop by exploring their structures, life cycles, and key processes like photosynthesis, respiration, and water uptake.
• Principles of Soil Science – Investigate how soil characteristics affect crop growth, including nutrient content, pH levels, and water-holding capacity. Learn how to improve soil health and productivity through crop rotation, maintenance, and sustainable cultivation methods.
• Investigative Project – Conduct a research project on your chosen topic, applying your learning through experiments, practical activities, or field trials, and evaluating your findings in a comprehensive report. Example projects could involve comparative veg or plant growth, or treatment trials for plant infections.
• Advanced Nursery Stock Production – Plan and manage nursery stock in containers and field settings, ensuring optimal growth conditions while maintaining plant health through pest, disease, and disorder management. Understand sourcing, growing methods and markets, and discover methods of pest, disease and weed management in organic systems to encourage natural balance.
• Organic Crop Production – Work with natural systems to build fertile soil using organic methods and explore the philosophy behind organic crop production and systems to support it including biodynamics, agroforestry, and permaculture, and organic certification.
• Landscape & Garden Design – Create concept plans from site analysis and client briefs, developing professional presentation plans with detailed elevations, projections, and perspectives.
• Prepare Landscape & Garden Design Briefs – Create design briefs, letters of engagement, and site evaluation and analysis reports tailored to client needs. Learn how to assess the physical, biological, cultural, environmental and edaphic characteristics of sites, including site problems and their solutions.
• Advanced Horticultural Science – Deepen your understanding of plant physiology, breeding, genetics, and soil nutrient cycles, focusing on how environmental factors impact plant growth.
• Estate Skills – Get hands-on experience in constructing, repairing, and maintaining boundaries, structures, and habitats, ensuring sustainable practices and minimal environmental impact.
• Understand the principles and carry out the practice of wildlife population surveys, ecology and conservation – Understand the principles of wildlife population dynamics, ecology and conservation strategies. Consider the affects of both natural and human influenced fluctuations in ecosystems. Identify and conduct surveys of wildlife habitats and ecosystems.

Why study Regenerative horticulture?

You will study in beautiful and unique settings within the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. This course is ideal for students who want to deepen their current knowledge & experience in horticulture and land-based industries, while opening doors to further study and employment opportunities. Make a positive impact on the environment and build a sustainable career!

Graduates from the Level 3 programme in Regenerative Horticulture can pursue careers or setup their own businesses in:

• Organic  production horticulture (growing fruit and veg)
• Landscape and Garden Design
• Nursery Stock Production and Management
• Consultancy and Education
• Regenerative Agriculture

You can also continue your education in related fields, such as:

• Our own BA (Hons) Sustainable Futures: Arts, Ecology & Systems Change
• Permaculture
• Sustainable Land Management
• Botany
• Agroecology
• Environmental Science and Conservation
• Landscape Architecture

Why study at BMC

• Our course tutors are inspired teachers with extensive experience from a broad spectrum of commercial horticulture, bringing innovative techniques and unique knowledge.
• No exams! You will produce a portfolio of evidence throughout the year and be assessed via practical observations, oral tests, written reports or presentations.
• 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 will receive additional teaching and support to study for these qualifications alongside their NVQ.

*course content may be subject to change