Countryside Management course at Canterbury College

As a student of Canterbury College, in my first year studying the exciting, fun, up-and-coming Countryside Management course, I feel compelled to tell you what the course is all about, and what a great time I am having and how you can get involved. The course is very keen to promote green, and sustainable methods in its activities.

Recently we were responsible for creating and managing an organic vegetable patch for the Animal Centre so that we could grow sustainable food for the different animals. We also studied green, ecological systems and energy generation when we visited The Centre for Alternative Technology, where we stayed in “eco-cabins”.

Countryside Management encourages a strong combination, of practical experience both inside and outside the classroom. The college has a close working relationship with the Kent Wildlife Trust and Canterbury Environmental Centre, which we often visit and gain experience from. We gain hands on skills to manage woodland and other ecosystems, surveying the area and identifying species. We also get offered lots of other interesting fieldtrips to, Majorca, Sumatra, Bedgebury Pinetum, Kew Royal Botanical Gardens, The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth and many other great places.

The course provides students with broad progression options, providing the skills necessary for many different jobs in the countryside sector, and the ability to continue their education at University. The work related experience, which is one of our core units, has even provided all students with work placements.

It is a Level 3 BTEC National Diploma which is equivalent to gaining 3 A-levels.
The course lasts 2 years and is “full time”, but attendance is currently only necessary for 3 specified days of the week. It is suitable for anyone over the age of 16, or for any individuals already working in the sector, who wish to gain a work related qualification.

The Countryside Management course consists of 18 units spread over the 2 years which includes the 4 core units.

Core Units

•  A Specialist Project & Business Management

• Principles of Ecology

•  Land-based Estate Skills (Practical Unit)

•  Work Related Experience (Practical Unit)

Other Units

•  Woodland Ecology

•  Gamebird Production

•  Farm Habitat Management

•  Fishery Creation & Management

•  Livestock Use in Conservation

•  Physical & Biological Environmental Processes

• Tree Felling & Chainsaw Use

• Principles of Plant & Soil Science

To conclude, I think this is a very enjoyable, interesting and useful course for anyone interested in Countryside Management, Conservation, Geography or just the great outdoors. Countryside Management has a relaxed, friendly environment with enthusiastic and outgoing students; the teaching staff are knowledgeable and truly dedicated.

For more details please contact; Lisa Naden, 01227 811289 -  l.naden@cant-col.ac.uk or Michelle Cousins, 01227 811249 - m.cousins@cant-col.ac.uk

Written by Dominic Blundell

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