NVQ L2 Diploma in Regenerative Horticulture

What will I learn?

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

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

• Assess soil texture & condition
• Prepare ground or area for planting
• Apply fertilisers to plants
• Plant a tree
• Plant out plants in rows by hand
• Propagate plants indoors from seed
• Prune free standing fruit trees in winter
• Propagate plants by stem cuttings
• Identify damage caused by plant pests
• Identify plant diseases and disorders
• Carry out a site survey in 2-dimensions

These modules are only part of the picture. Our emphasis is on sustainability and ecology, so you will also learn about the soil biome – the crucial importance of soil ecology and the reasoning for the need to use no-dig techniques (biomimicry) to protect and enhance that environment. We delve into permaculture and keyline design, agroforestry, organic principles, and four-season vegetable production. We even skim over some of the basics of plant science (plant evolution, role of hormones, morphology, etc.). These aspects are not assessed but they are the foundations for good practice and also key in helping us solve some aspects of the climate problem by aiding the land to lock in more carbon.

Modules may be subject to change

Why study Regenerative Horticulture?

The BMC Level 2 in Regenerative Horticulture will give you the skills you need to pursue a sustainable and rewarding career.

After this course, students may be able to:

• Move into Level 3 Practical Horticulture
• Start a career as a self-employed or salaried gardener or landscaper/garden designer
• Set up or work in a market garden or plant nursery, or work in parks/green spaces
• Find work in plant science & technology, or go down the route of a horticultural teaching assistant or technician yourself!
• Use this qualification towards entry to the BMC undergraduate course
• Move on to other higher education courses such as Garden Design, Plant Science, Ethno Botany, Agriscience or Arboriculture

Why study at BMC?

• Course tutors have extensive experience from a broad spectrum of commercial horticulture, bringing innovative techniques and unique knowledge.
• The course takes place in unique learning environments in both locations.
• 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 Regenerative Horticulture, 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 students aged 16 and over 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 Regenerative Horticulture: Sturdy wellies and secateurs. £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?

Regenerative Horticulture 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.

Locations: Talgarth, Powys, OR Treherbert, RCT.

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!

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. Some assessments may be in the form of a brief oral test, and some of your worksheets may be used for assessment purposes.

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.