Students learning outdoors in a horticulture lesson

Our Regenerative Horticulture NVQ will help you to develop skills and knowledge for a successful and rewarding career in this sector.

This practical course encompasses organic, permaculture and no-dig principles, which work in harmony with nature for a sustainable future. The practical outdoor learning is backed up with classroom theory covering botany, soil science, food production, and ornamental horticulture.

Location: Talgarth, Powys or Treherbert, Rhondda Cynon Taf

Study Time: 3 days per week

Course Length: 1 year from September to July

Minimum Age: 16 years old (no maximum age)

This course is offered in partnership with NPTC Group of Colleges and accredited by City & Guilds.

 

WHAT WILL I LEARN

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 trees
  • 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 focus is on sustainability and ecology, with an emphasis on the soil biome—understanding the critical role of soil ecology and why no-dig methods (biomimicry) are essential for preserving and enriching this environment. We dive into permaculture, keyline design, agroforestry, organic principles, and four-season vegetable production.

Additionally, we cover the basics of plant science, including plant evolution, hormone functions, and morphology. Though these aspects aren’t formally assessed, they form the bedrock of sound practices and are crucial in addressing climate challenges by helping the land sequester more carbon.

Modules may differ slightly depending on your chosen location (Talgarth or Treherbert)

WHY STUDY REGENERATIVE HORTICULTURE? 

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.

After this course, students may be able to:

  • Move into a Level 3 Horticulture course with BMC or another provider
  • 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 relevant higher education courses such as Garden Design, Plant Science, Ethno Botany, Agriscience or Arboriculture

Applications for a September 2025 start are now open! Apply early via our website to secure your spot. You will need to complete a short interview with our friendly team.

 

Related Organisations

Connected Content

Regenerative farming looks to optimise the use of the ecological system and environment, in order to benefit from the natural ecosystem services that they provide.

Organic is a system of farming and food production. Organic farmers aim to produce high-quality food, using methods that benefit our whole food system, from people to planet, plant health to animal welfare.

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