Student looking after a horticulture plot in a lesson

Location: Treherbert, Rhondda Cynon Taf

Study Time: 3 days per week

Course Length: 1 year from September to July

Cost: Tuition is fully funded for anyone aged 16+, no matter your qualification level, as long as you are a UK resident. You will just need to ensure you can cover your own costs of living for the duration of the course.

Minimum Age: 16 years old (no maximum age)

Equipment Requirements: Warm waterproof clothing and shoes for working outdoors in all weather.

The land-based sector is very diverse. Our Level 1 NVQ provides the opportunity to gain some knowledge and practical experience in a variety of areas, including land-use, conservation and horticulture. This is the perfect starting point for those looking to explore future careers in these sectors!

This hands-on course will introduce you to essential skills in plant care, habitat conservation, tool handling, and countryside maintenance, providing a strong foundation for further study or entry-level employment in land-based industries.

Website
https://blackmountainscollege.uk/study/further-education/land-based-studies/

What will I learn?

With a focus on safe working practices, environmental awareness, and career development, you will gain valuable experience through a range of practical modules that cover:

  • Safe and effective working practices in land-based industries
  • Preparing to work in the land-based industries
  • Identify plants and trees
  • Assist with the transport and maintenance of tools and equipment-
  • Contribute to the maintenance of plants
  • Contribute to the propagation of plants
  • Assist with the maintenance of structures and surfaces in the countryside
  • Introduction to wildlife and conservation
  • Animals in the wild and their main features

 

Why Study Land-Based Studies?

You will study in beautiful and unique outdoor settings in the Rhondda Valley. This qualification is ideal for those who enjoy working outdoors. Whether you're looking to take your first step into a land-based career or progress to higher-level study, this course provides a strong foundation for your future by covering a variation of topics.

After this course, students may be able to:

  • Gain a deeper understanding of the type of career you could pursue, or further study you may be interested in
  • Progress to Level 2 or above qualifications in Regenerative Horticulture, Nature Restoration, Coppicing or Forestry!
  • Use this qualification and transferable skills for entry-level employment opportunities in the land-based sector
  • Gain work as a Countryside Ranger, Trainee Gardener, Farm Worker, Forestry Officer, or in Landscaping or Crop Production

This recognised qualification opens doors to careers or further study in forestry, conservation, or horticulture, with opportunities to work for conservation organisations, charities, woodland groups, local councils, national parks, wildlife trusts, estates, environmental companies, or on farms.

 

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.

Further Education Prospectus - Black Mountains College_5.pdf20.59 MB

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Conservation

Although the term management implies direct manipulation, the practice of wildlife conservation and management includes efforts aimed at preserving or restoring rare species and their habitats and indirect manipulation of wildlife populations through modification of habitat or resources. From: Encyclopedia of Ecology, 2008

Land Use

Land use refers to the way that land is used and managed for various purposes, such as agriculture, housing, industry, and recreation.

Environment

Farming is intricately connected to the environment in various ways. The relationship between agriculture and the environment is a critical aspect of modern farming practices. Please share information, resources, tools and experiences on the multifaceted dimensions of how farming intersects with the environment.

Horticulture

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Land Management

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Black Mountains College

A unique college in and around the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, Wales, to create a future where nature and humans thrive. BMC focuses on the challenge of our times: how to build a fair and just society within safe planetary boundaries. We believe in education that empowers people to build resilience in the face of the climate and ecological crisis. Our approach is built on rethinking traditional learning to foster the skills, creativity, and systems thinking needed for a more sustainable future. Our countryside-based campus is a living classroom, with access to biodiverse landscapes that inspire and challenge our students to connect deeply with nature.