Countryside Jobs Service

Logo: CJS

Countryside Jobs Service Weekly

Special Edition 20 August '07

Focus on Training supplement

in association with Losehill Hall

Logo: Losehill

Losehill Hall then and now

Of the hundreds if not thousands of people who have been to Losehill Hall on a training course over the past 30 or so years, not all of them know that it is owned by the Peak District National Park Authority. Losehill was bought by the authority in 1971 and opened in 1972 as a study centre, to help meet the second national park purpose i.e. “To promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the area by the public”.

At this time, the focus was very much on promoting understanding to young people, but there were a few training courses being run for countryside professionals even back in the mid to late 70’s. These included ranger training and interpretation courses, and back then they were 8 days, 10 days and even 2 weeks long! Photos of the time showed that the majority of employees in the sector were male, and there were a lot more beards and dodgy pullovers in evidence than today. The Losehill décor has also moved on a lot from the days of brown and orange patterned sofas and carpets!

A lot of people are also unaware of the role Losehill Hall has played over the years in providing training and education for staff from protected areas all over Europe. This ranges from developing ranger services in Slovakia, to working in partnership with national parks and other protected areas in Austria, Portugal, Germany, Iceland, Switzerland, Italy and the Czech Republic to develop and test training courses that were applicable to staff working in all of these countries. These included modules on Foundation Ranger Training, Heathland Management, and Sustainable Tourism. Losehill Hall was also one of the key players in developing a generic internationally agreed description of what a ranger’s role should be (called the ‘Six Losehill Principles’) which has been adopted by International Ranger federation and many of it’s member ranger associations, and approved by Europarc and IUCN.

As for the UK market over the last few years, in response to customer feedback, Losehill courses have gradually become shorter, with the majority of courses now being 2 and 3 day courses and only a handful of 4 and 5 day courses remaining. This seems to be due to ever increasing work pressure and the ever shrinking training budgets of local authorities, government agencies and voluntary sector organisations. But in spite of that, some of our oldest courses, such as ‘Foundation Ranger Training’, ‘Introducing Rights of Way’ and our interpretation courses are still going strong, though the content will have moved on a little since the 70’s and 80’s!

Another development in the last few years is the increasing demand for tailor made training and bespoke courses for a particular organisation at a venue convenient for the staff. Losehill Training have run tailor made courses and facilitated training events and conferences for organisations such as Natural England, The Forestry Commission, Severn Trent Water, Bury MBC, Cheshire and East Sussex County Councils, CMA, CRN and IEMA.

Which brings us to the future…what will Losehill Hall be doing in 5 or 10 years time? More tailor made training for organisations we suspect, but hopefully courses will also continue to run at Losehill Hall itself. Customers have told us that the Losehill training experience is not just about the training, but also about Losehill Hall the place, and its setting in the Peak District National Park. So if you haven’t experienced it yet, take a look at our current courses on www.losehiilltraining.org.uk to see what we have got that might meet your needs, or get in touch to find out if we can develop a tailor made course for your organisation. You can email training.losehill@peakdistrict.gov.uk or phone us on 01433 620373 with your questions and training needs, and we will do what we can to help!

The employers viewpoint: Training: what’s really needed?

There was a time, 30 years ago, when somebody with a background in farming or the military was more than competent to walk straight into a land-management job - and often did. No more. These days, the countryside management field has standards and skills of its own that can’t simply be imported from other careers. Without some specific training, few will be successful in finding employment.

There’s a diverse array of training on offer, without a doubt. Trainees have to carefully consider what courses they take, to ensure their investment of time and money will help meet the needs of their future employers. There are three principles that anyone choosing a course should bear in mind:

1. Don’t specialise too soon

The environment sector has a huge range of job niches, varying from region to region, and many similar-sounding jobs are actually very different. You’re not going to know about all the possibilities until you’ve worked in the field for a bit yourself, so don’t train up for a specialised career until you’ve seen some of the alternatives. If you need some basic skills, get them first.

2. Stay relevant

Keep your eye on the ball – it’s easy to get led off into an endless roundabout of training and travelling. If that works for you, fine, but don’t kid yourself that employers will be impressed by the length of your CV. Once you’ve got a basic set of qualifications, more full-time education probably won’t be worth the loss of time you could have spent getting relevant experience on the job or taking short, targeted courses– don’t forget, if you need training, many employers will let you study part-time and maybe even pay for it too, so you get the best of both worlds.

3. Work on your strengths

In this industry you need to be committed to what you do – so if you enjoy it, that will help a lot. Don’t just take what your course offers: look to proactively develop extra skills around things you already have a head start in – maybe biological recording of a certain group, or knowledge of a particular outdoor pursuit. Seek out opportunities to meet and speak to experts. Find ways to bring these skills into the mainstream of your training and work. And have fun!

Matthew Chatfield, Parks & Countryside Manager, Isle of Wight Council

The Participants view: It's quite easy to find out about training and courses from provider and employers points of view but a bit harder to discover what the participants actually think. To try to gain some insight we asked some providers if they would ask their participants to complete a questionnaire.

Project Management course, run by the Environmental Trainers network at the Islington Ecology Centre. The course is described by ETN as: "The aim of this lively event is to provide an introduction to project management for people working in small to medium sized organisations. The event is designed to help both people who are completely new to project management and also people who are already busy managing projects and looking to acquire some tools and techniques to help them manage more effectively. The main aim of the day is to help you plan, deliver, monitor and evaluate your projects systematically, in order to measure your success, and to maximise learning. The style of the day will be participative and fun." Participants gain a certificate on completion. Reasons given for choosing this course fell into two groups, either to extend or gain new skills (3 of 8 replies) or to gain grounding relevant to their current post (5/8). For the majority (7/8) their employer paid the course fees. The distances travelled to attend ranged from a 30 minute walk to 120 miles although the average distance was 69 miles. The participants felt this was a very useful course providing an excellent overview with practical examples.

ETN can be contact by email at: ETN@btcv.org.uk or more details can found at: www.btcv.org/etn

Brushcutters and Trimmers course run by BTCV Scotland leading to a Lantra operators card. BTCV's description of the course: "This Lantra certificated course will help you to learn all you need to know about Brushcutters & Trimmers, from safe operation to machine preparation and maintenance."

Two of the participants were required to attend a brushcutters course by their employer, one wanted to brush up existing skills and be able to supervise others, the remaining three attendees were seeking to gain new skills. The distances travelled were quite short, ranging from a five minute walk to at most 40 miles, average distance was 20 miles. Again for the majority the fees were paid by their employer (4/6). The course was thought to be varied and interesting covering all aspects in great depth. Everyone thought the course had fulfilled their requirements.

To find out more about courses run by BTCV Scotland visit www/btcv.org/Scotland and click on training or email: H.Paul@btcv.org.uk

Acorn Ecology Ltd is a consultancy which runs a range of professional development courses, we asked about their ecological survey techniques course which they describe as:" Introductory level course in to ecological survey techniques, relevant to both conservation and consultancy. Mainly field based." Upon completion participants receive a certificate of attendance. Of the courses we considered this was the odd one, many of the attendees (10/11) were there from interest or to gain experience and as a result the majority were meeting the fees themselves, although the fees were described by several participants as "very good value for money". All the participants were very pleased with this course and several said they would recommend it. Distances travelled ranged from less than a mile to over 200, an average distance of 78 miles.

For information about Acorn Ecology and the course they offer please visit: www.acornecology.co.uk or email: info@acornecology.co.uk

On the whole all the participants had found it easy to locate a suitable course with one reply specifying "I wasn't particularly looking for this course (survey techniques) and came across it whilst looking at job ads" and another that they had "thought the course sounded interesting". However, one respondent, a lecturer at an FE college, did say they had spent several months looking for something suitable.

Launch of the One Stop Shop for Training

Michael Russell, Minister for Environment, officially launched the Lantra One Stop Shop for Training at the Royal Highland Show.

The online Lantra One Stop Shop was created in collaboration with learndirect scotland and is a direct result of demand from farmers, crofters and employers from the environmental and land-based sector.

Logo: Lantra

The online database allows individuals to search through thousands of courses and training providers throughout Scotland to find training which best meets their needs.

This is the first time in Scotland that all information on training in the sector will be available from one central point. Training providers who wish to register their details on the site should contact Lantra Project Manager Morag Holdsworth on morag.holdsworth@lantra.co.uk or call 01738 553311.

Visit the Lantra One Stop Shop at www.lantra.co.uk/scotland

Instructing Rural Skills Courses

Many instructors in the rural skills sector contract their services to independent “Training Providers” or Colleges. Instructors are usually self employed or operate on a part time basis, meaning that they cannot always give their full attention to the marketing and preparation of courses. Training is not a year round occupation either, with peaks & troughs in demand .

For these reasons it is often beneficial to register with a National body in order to maintain an independently assessed standard using an existing approved system. Once registered, the awarding body can then advertise your services to training providers, provide you with training materials, the candidates with accredited certificates and your insurance cover while you are teaching; this is now a difficult and costly problem. Many companies are using members of staff to train others, should an accident occur then it could be very difficult for some of these in-house trainers to prove their teaching ability which may cause problems with any insurance claim. Being registered with an awarding body can simplify this process greatly.

Lantra Awards instructor register is one of many “awarding bodies” which are recognised by the DFES as reaching the desired national standards for training and certification. Lantra specializes in the rural skills or “landbased” sector.

Any instructor on the register has been checked by Lantra, which should guarantee that their certificates and qualifications are appropriate, in date, and that their teaching skills have been updated and technically evaluated within the last year.

The basic requirements for becoming a rural skills instructor are as follows: 3 years minimum practical experience within the industry; Certification relevant to the task to be taught; Certification for the relevant Health & Safety areas; Emergency First Aid Certificate; Suitable background documentation; Teaching qualification (you can be working towards this); Attendance of a “Technical Standards” course; A “Technical Evaluation” by a registered “Technical Standards Verifier”; CRB checks for those teaching the under 19`s or “at risk”

Further information, explanations and downloadable forms can be found at: http://www.lantra-awards.co.uk/faq/faq_ins.aspx or telephone 02476 419703 and ask for the new instructor registrations section.

An alternative to Lantra Awards would be the National Proficiency Tests Council (NPTC) which although do not offer training are specialists in assessing land based skills. http://www.nptc.org.uk or telephone 02476 85 7300

From: Lynher Training. Tel: 01822 832902. Fax: 01822 832902.

e-mail: admin@lynher.com

Logo: Lynher Training Online

The range and type of training available to the countryside, conservation sector is as wide as the sector is complex. Courses and training are available for everyone, no matter what your experience, prior qualifications or available time.

For many people already working within the sector the best way to gain new or to brush up existing skills is to attend one of the many short courses, from one day to a residential 10 days, run across the country. Like Losehill Hall Plas Tan y Bwlch is run by a National park Authority and offers a wide range of such courses.

Environmental Training Courses at Plas Tan y Bwlch

Plas Tan y Bwlch, Snowdonia National Park’s Environmental Studies & Education Services Centre, has been providing training courses for environmental sector professionals since 1991. These are usually 2 – 4 day residential training events, of which 24 – 30 are eligible for sponsorship from the Countryside Council for Wales per year and are listed in our annual professional training brochure (copies available from the address below) or on the Plas website: www.plastanybwlch.com. Other courses and events are

Logo: Snowdonia National Park

arranged on behalf of or in conjunction with organisations such as the Environment Agency, RSPB, Association of National Park Authorities, Universities etc.

These courses cover a very wide range of topics, for example introducing countryside managers to existing and new legislation concerning access and public rights of way, wildlife and development, protected species and habitats etc. Other courses will focus on habitat conservation and management, monitoring and surveying, historic landscapes, as well as various aspects of project planning and management, interpretation, and dealing with people.

In addition to professional training courses (about 30 per year) the Plas hosts 60 – 70 public courses (2 – 5 day events covering diverse topics such as landscape photography, wildlife courses, following drovers’ roads, archaeology etc); caters for about 50 residential schools courses and is a well known venue for conferences and day meetings.

However the Plas’ most important resource is the landscape in which it lies – in the heart of Snowdonia National Park and within a short distance of the sea. Consequently it has, within easy reach, probably a greater variety of habitats and site management scenarios than anywhere else in the country, which is a great asset with regards field work.

Long standing co-operation with conservation and other organisations and the very good reputation of professional training at the Plas means that we can call upon leading edge speakers from all over Britain and beyond to contribute and to help develop future courses. Anticipating future needs is certainly a priority in order to ensure that today’s countryside managers are able to face with confidence tomorrow’s challenges.

Contact: Plas tan y Bwlch, Maentwrog, Blaenau Ffestiniog, LL41 3YU Telephone: 01766 772600, e-mail: plas@eryri-npa.gov.uk, website: www.plastanybwlch.com

Providers of Short Courses: 1-10 days in length:

Ignite Woodfuel Training is the UK’s only certificated woodfuel training course. The course covers everything you need to know about woodfuel, including the woodfuel resource, technology, systems and supply chain. Courses are running across the UK – call Rural Development Initiatives on 0845 226 2890 for more information. www.ruraldevelopment.org.uk

Airgun Training & Education Organisation Airgun training and familiarisation, pest control / school visits. Training for professional airgunners. Pest control & BASC Coaches award. Tel: 01543 450173. Email: x_calibreuk@tiscali.co.uk Web: www.ateo.org.uk

Low-impact Living Initiative (LILI) run residential weekend courses at Redfield Community in Buckinghamshire. Topics include straw-bale building, how to make biodiesel, low-impact smallholding, sustainable water & sewage, natural paints & lime, and many more. We also provide factsheets, books, natural products and home eco-audits. www.lowimpact.org / 01296 714184 for more information.

Navigation, Walking Group Leader, D1 and MiDAS courses available on various dates throughout year and arranged to order. Delivered in a quality, safe, fun and sensitive fashion. Contact:- admin@cndoscotland.com or 01786 445 703 or look at www.cndoscotland.com/pages/dates-and-prices/courses.shtml. Can be operated near you.

Acorn Ecology runs field based courses that are led by an experienced ecologist. Our short courses cover a range of survey techniques and are open to anybody who feels that they lack the necessary field skills to succeed in an ecological job. For more information visit our website: www.acornecology.co.uk

ExeGesIS SDM Ltd. Situated in the Brecon Beacons National Park, we offer a range of courses in our dedicated training suite. These include a two day course on Management Planning for conservation sites and software courses on CMS (Conservation Management System) and the GIS program, MapInfo. Contact David Mitchel davidm@esdm.co.uk www.edsm.co.uk

Shared Earth Trust, Denmark Farm, Lampeter, Mid Wales: a unique training project offering a range of low cost courses – some accredited - in conservation and sustainable living, delivered by highly experienced
tutors, ecologists and conservation professionals.01570 493358 or http://www.shared-earth-trust.org.uk/en/train02.htm for current programme and to request more details.

Flora Locale Training for land managers: 2007 programme

This year’s events are suitable for all those involved in designing, managing and restoring wild flowers for landscape and biodiversity, whether on the farm or a new urban development. For further details on individual events see www.floralocale.org or call 01488 680457.

First Aid Training Specialist courses for outdoor workers, paediatric workers & First Aid at Work courses. We run courses for outdoor contactors, nature reserve managers, farm workers, surveyors, outdoor instructors, youth workers, minibus drivers, school group leaders etc. Courses for validating NGB awards (MLTB, BCU, BOF, RYA etc) HSE approval number 1670/96. Contact Cory Jones Associates at www.cory-jones.com or coryjones2000@yahoo.co.uk

Lantra Deer Management Customised Award This 5 day British Deer Society Course focuses on deer management for industry decision makers. Subjects covered include: population census, cull planning, economics and forestry issues. Passing a course examination will give students a Lantra Certificate in Deer Management. Details 01425 655434 or www.bds.org.uk

Autumn Courses at Bishops Wood Centre. Introduction to Environmental Youthwork 11/9/07 Introduction to Storytelling (with Ben Haggarty) 19-20/9/07 Wooden structures in the Landscape 27-28/9/07 For more info or details of full range of courses please contact Liz at Bishops Wood on 01299 250513 or lbranford@worcestershire.gov.uk. To view website www.bishopswoodcentre.org.uk

BTCV Scotland has supported development of a growing diversity of individuals through our training programme - From Countryside Ranger to Local Authority officers, from teachers to Community Development Practitioners, and volunteers wanting to gain skills to increase their employability We continue to offer high quality traditional environmental skills courses including LANTRA courses. 01786 479697 www.btcv.org.uk/shop

Environmental Courses at Epping Forest Field Centre. Year round Professional Development, and Leisure Learning Courses. September courses include: Shieldbugs, Tree and Shrub Identification, Survival, Badgers, Environmental Crafts with Children and Fungi Identification (Beginners and Advance).

Course details - contact the Centre on 0208 5028500. Alternatively, check the website: www.field-studies-council.org/eppingforest.

The ETN training programme has been running since 1994, and is aimed at encouraging contact and networking amongst participants and their organisations as well as providing quality training at reasonable cost to voluntary, public and statutory organisations. CONTACT: Jacki or Helen on 0121 359 2113 (fax 0121 359 2114) or Email ETN@btcv.org.uk

Focus Learning and Development, Lackham House, Lacock, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 2NY. Telephone 0845 345 2235. www.focuslearning.co.uk Land and environment courses including: chainsaw use from occasional user to NPTC qualifications. Pesticide Application PA1 PA2A and PA6. Basic tractor operation, all terrain vehicles, brush cutters, strimmers and more.

Moths Count Project have organised a programme of ‘introduction to moths’ workshops as part of the National Moth Recording Scheme, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and other organisations. Workshops are free and provide information about moths, moth recording and conservation. Advance booking required. See www.mothscount.org for our events listings.

Land Skills Training Ltd We are a training organisation offering a wide range of courses for land based industries. Courses are held at our training centre in Dorking, Surrey. Courses are Lantra Awards registered or lead to NPTC qualification. Contact us on 01306 876404 or email office@landskillstraining.co.uk.

The Valuation and Marketing of Hardwood Timber.

Abbeystead Lancashire - Thursday 6th September 2007 This one-day course provides all you need to know about selling hardwood timber: grading, valuing, presentation, timing and marketing. Tel: 01772 533917 Email: lwp@env.lancscc.gov.uk Web: www.lancashirewoodlands.co.uk Course fee £25

Reduce your Marketing Costs - Increase Profile or Membership Short courses for environmental and countryside organisations on all aspects of low cost marketing. Emphasis on free marketing strategies from Leading International Expert. Broadcast on BBC in over 70 countries. Free Marketing Advice newsletter on website www.stefandrew.com

Call Stefan Drew 01926 632794

Shuttleworth College, Bedfordshire offers quality training to NPTC and Lantra standards in subjects such as chainsaws, tractor driving, pesticide application, mobile elevated work platforms and new for this year, ITC emergency first aid. A wide range of full and part time courses are also available Tel: 01767 626222 enquiries@shuttleworth.ac.uk www.shuttleworth.ac.uk

Herts & Middx Wildlife Trust run an Annual Wildlife Training programme. The various workshops provide an opportunity to develop wildlife knowledge in a friendly and supportive atmosphere and are led by skilled Trust staff, ecologists and local naturalists. For more information contact HMWT on Tel 01727 858901 or at www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/herts/events/events.htm

North Notts Training Group

Lift truck, pesticides, chainsaws, health and safety, first aid, vermin control, abrasive wheels, management, livestock and more. Cost effective professional training for a safe and efficient tomorrow. Contact Vicki Wilson tel / fax 01427 884294 mobile 07855 751689 or email vkwilson1@yahoo.co.uk

SAC Training Services – Providing land-based training in environmental conservation, plant and equipment, pesticides, business and enterprise management, business diversification. Vocational skills to professional updates – opportunities throughout Scotland. SAC Training Services 01292 525285, training@sac.ac.uk

Dry stone walling and Hedgelaying residential weekend training courses run in North Yorkshire from September 07 to March 08. Concessions available. Please contact: BTCV North Yorkshire by email at north-yorkshire@btcv.org.uk for more information and prices.

Forest Schools Practitioner training up to level 3. For more information on Forest Schools or to book a course visit www.archimedes-training.co.uk or call 0114 2855534

Rutland and Northants Training Group. Training courses arranged on request in and around Rutland and Northamptonshire for farmers and landbased industries through out the year. Current courses running include abrasive wheels, chainsaw, emergency First Aid, lift trucks, manual lifting, pesticides / sprayers, quad bikes, tractor driving, movers. Tel 01572 770614 email: rn.training@hotmail.co.uk

Courses in green woodwork and chairmaking with Mike Abbott, author of 'Green Woodwork' and 'Living Wood'. Courses cover timber selection, cleaving, shaving, pole-lathe turning, steam bending, seasoning, chair assembly and chair seating. Courses are held in the beautiful Living Wood woodland workshop in Herefordshire, see www.living-wood.co.uk.

Barn Owl Ecology, Survey & Signs one-day course

Designed for environmental professionals involved in Barn Owl survey work. Attendees will acquire all the essential knowledge and skills required to conduct Barn Owl surveys and compose appropriate mitigation strategies. Subjects covered: Barn Owl ecology; Protection and legislation; Survey techniques and written reports; Mitigation strategies. Contact kelly@barnowltrust.org.uk, phone 01364 653026

Llysdinam Field Centre, Cardiff University
Lively and practical day courses taught by enthusiastic and skilled professionals. Courses are available for both beginners and professionals looking to learn more about the natural environment and practical ecology.
Amy Tibble Tel: 02920 879040 Email: tibbleal@cardiff.ac.uk web: www.llysdinam.com

Freshwater Biological Association - Freshwater Recorders and Schemes Project A range of training courses will be offered in 2007-2008 including identification of freshwater invertebrates (beginner and advanced level), plants (macrophytes) and algae, and in fish disease pathology. Tel: 01539 442468 Email: mfletcher@fba.org.uk and spawley@fba.org.uk Websites: www.fba.org.uk www.fba.org.uk/recorders

The Field Studies Council is a leading provider of taxonomic and environmental training at its centres throughout the UK. The annual programme of courses includes biological recording and surveying, ecological principles, NVC, plant and animal identification, many of which are accredited and certified by awarding bodies. For more information visit www.field-studies-council.org/professional

Renewable Energy for Advisors - one day training course An introduction to renewable energy technologies. Appropriate for anyone advising homeowners and communities about their renewable energy options. Also useful for organisations and individuals aspiring to move into this field.

Milton Keynes – 26th Sept, 20th Nov, 19th Feb www.greendimension.co.uk

WoodNet Training at the Woodland Enterprise Centre near Flimwell, East Sussex. Book now for forthcoming training days & workshops: Tree Identification Timber Production; 1st Aid for Woodland Work & Arboriculature (H&SE Appointed Person); Develop a Woodland Action Plan; Growing Edible Woodland Fungi; Supply Woodchip for Woodfuel; Discover Woodland Archaeology. More information and dates at www.woodnet.org.uk

Kindrogan Field Centre, one of 17 Field Studies Council centres, is the National Centre for Excellence in Field Work and Biodiversity Training in Scotland. To see the wide range of training courses on offer, visit our website at www.field-studies-council.org/kindrogan/

Logo: ERA - English Ranger Association

Another way to gain skills, although without the certification is to take part in a study day such as those run by The English Ranger Association which provides opportunities for Rangers, Wardens and Volunteers to exchange experience and best practice ideas through Site-based study visits.

Each Site Study Visit is designed to give participants the chance to look at how a key issue are dealt with at a particular type of sites or sites.

The session normally start directly after lunch, with a short scene setting session and is followed by an in depth field visit. The visits normally last for about 3-4 hours. Site Study visits are free to ERA members.

Themes for forthcoming visits are Heathland restoration; Spiders; Country Park Management; City Based Ranger Services. Detailscan be found on the ERA website www.englishranger.co.uk

A new area too: The Techno Ranger. ERA is currently planning a two day training event entitled ‘The Techno Ranger’. This event will focus on the use of computer based technology and how it can usefully be used in Conservation and Recreation Management. Subjects to be covered will include, management planning tools, GIS and GPS, wildlife recording software, IT and modern interpretation.

Expressions of interest from possible delegates, participants or partners are most welcome. Contact Steve Peach at ranger@englishranger.co.uk

Bespoke training providers and specialists:

Yellow Wood Based near Hay in Herefordshire, we facilitate learning about woodlands in a 30 acre ancient semi-natural woodland. We teach bushcraft, woodland crafts, treeclimbing and chainsaw use. We have a campsite for visitors, and are developing an arboretum and nursery. www.yellowwood.co.uk info@yellowwood.co.uk

For a variety of events, courses and opportunities concerned with sustainable lifestyles and project design. Courses include green building, permaculture design, and gardening techniques. Volunteer opportunities are also available. www.soteriologicgarden.net 0845 4581734

Sustainability – South Downs College in Havant, Hampshire is offering the NCFE qualification in Sustainable Development as a 15 week part time evening course from September 2007. For further details FREEPHONE 0800 0560511 or www.southdowns.ac.uk

We specialise in hedgelaying contracts and training. From introductory sessions for beginners to courses for arborists and forestry workers. Damon Peacock, 7 Fowler Avenue, Farington Moss, Leyland PR26 6RL. Telephone 01772 456666, Mobile 07971 196451 e-mail damonpeacock@lineone.net or Google Damon Peacock.

Through tailored professional training programmes, Southport College can help you workforce become more productive, leading to a more innovative and profitable business. Call us on 0845 0066506 Email us employer@southport-college.ac.uk Visit us www.southport-college.ac.uk

Hedgelaying Courses Available: Winter 07-08 Professional hedgelayer Clive Leeke offers training in Midlands and South of England styles. Individual tuition available, tailored to your own needs. Courses are run from November to March in Berks, Bucks and Oxon. Tel: 01491 684008 Email: cliveleeke@o2.co.uk

CTS - a specialist training organisation for those working in the land based sector. We offer a consultancy service and specialist courses at competitive rates e.g. Exciting events, planning, working with communities, fundraising for local authorities, contract and project management. For further information contact Angela Gamble on 01245 437741.

AJS Crafts: Rural Craft Training. Training available in a wide range of rural crafts & land management including: Coppicing, Woodland Conservation & Management, Green Woodworking, Sculpture, Environmental Art, Weaving, Corn Dollies etc. Other courses are available by request. I can also tailor make any course(s) to your specific requirements.

Contact: info@ajscrafts.co.uk

Harper Adams University College offers continual professional development through a range of flexible qualifications. Specialist professional courses specific to BASIS, FACTS, RICS and AMTRA are available as well as courses relating to engineering, driving, business management, pesticide use, and rural affairs and environment. Courses can be individually tailored to suit organisation needs. www.harper-adams.ac.uk/shortcourses

Forth Valley Colleges' NEBOSH Environmental Diploma can provide those working in the countryside and conservation sectors, with the knowledge and understanding to provide expert guidance on the control of environmental risks posed by work activities. Blended Learning. For more information call 01324 403167 or email biz@forthvalley.ac.uk

In house landbased training courses Arranged for your employees at your place of work. Lantra registered courses giving Lantra certificates. Courses include: chainsaw – lift truck – mowers – strimmers – pesticides – tractors – abrasive wheels – vermin control – health and safety – etc. Contact Oakthorn Training Telephone 01572 770614 website: www.oakthorntraining.co.uk email: enquiries@oakthorntraining.co.uk

Learn to lay a hedge with National Hedgelaying Society accredited hedgelayer Oswald Hoskyns. One to one friendly training for all ages. Starter course for individuals or groups. Excellent birthday or Christmas present. Telephone 01983 731514 or write to Hobbit House, Whitwell, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, PO38 2QQ.

Wildwood Trust is a charity for the conservation of British Wildlife. We provide training on small mammal surveying, dormouse handling, water voles, mammal identification and more, all using our unique animal collection.We can tailor a course to suit your group/organisation. Contact Hazel Ryan on 01227 711900 or hazel@wildwoodtrust.org

With a relaxed, fun and friendly approach we can teach you many different aspects of bushcraft, including building your own shelter, collecting and purifying water, fire lighting by friction, game preparation, navigation, natural foods, off road driving, canoe building, fungi identification and desert survival. www.woodland-ways.co.uk

David Surridge – Arboricultural Services, providing tree surgery & felling; forestry/woodland operations; hedgerow restoration - coppicing, laying & planting; scrub management and fencing services to local government and private customers in Devon, Dorset & Somerset. We also provide training for hedge-laying and are National Hedge-laying Society accredited. Telephone 01404 871564

Sylvan Environmental Enterprises Ltd - “SEE the woods for the trees” Specialists in the management of ancient semi-natural woodland & low impact timber extraction. Training courses in horse drawn timber extraction, woodland management and green woodworking. Contact details: Frankie & Graham Woodgate Tel: 01233 850418 Mob: 07929 202963 / 07815 791977 Web: www.sylvanenvironmental.com Email: enquiries@sylvanenvironmental.com

Sustainable Designs provide short courses in coppice crafts particularly willow weaving and green woodwork as well as introductory Permaculture. Previous clients have included Countryside Rangers, Forest Schools, schools and community groups. Courses can be tailor made at a venue that suits you. www.sustainabledesigncrafts.co.uk enquiries@sustainabledesigncrafts.co.uk 0845 458 2638

Grounds Maintenance Training: Pesticides; chainsaw; Fine Turf; Brushcutters & Strimmers; Machinery Maintenance; Tractor Driving; Grave Digging; Playground Inspection; Manual Handling; First Aid. We offer a full training and assessment service anywhere in the UK including LANTRA & NPTC qualifications. Please call 020 8359 5157 for more information or visit www.skillstrainingcentre.co.uk

Hedgelaying and hurdle making courses: Enjoy weekend or tailor made week day courses set in the Peak District. At Sparklow Wood, near Matlock, Derbyshire. Quality tuition, excellent tools and local materials on each course. For more details visit www.peaktraditionalfencing.co.uk or contact Simon Fowler 07889 107008 email simon.fowler@zoom.co.uk

Midland Hedgelaying Hedgelaying undertaken. Accredited by National Hedgelaying Society. Accreditation No: HOL004008. Training provided plus talks and demonstrations. Call 01827 714677 mobile 07776 292111 Ask for Andrew Hollis

Get closer to British wildlife than ever before on a Wildlife Encounter. There are opportunities to see and learn about many species, from the tiny harvest mouse to the giant basking shark. For more information or to receive a brochure please contact Zoe on 020 74984 533 or zoe@ptes.org

Events, venues and other providers:

RWM07: 11-13 September 2007, NEC Birmingham. Must-attend event for all recycling & waste management industry professionals: 450 exhibitors, outdoor demonstrations, two comprehensive programmes of free seminars, including Talking Climate Change a dedicated programme covering all the key climate change issues. Full details and free registration at www.rwmexhibition.com

Free Range Childhood, 16th November, Torquay, Devon. This exciting event is the first national conference to celebrate and explore the benefits, role and potential of play ranger projects in supporting children’s free play outdoors, helping to reclaim the muddy ground for children’s play. Email: mtweed@glos.ac.uk or telephone 01242 714603.

'Getting the Most Out of Your Country Park' seminar at the award winning Worcester Woods Country Park. Come along and hear about Country Park criteria and accreditation, community engagement, volunteering, income generation, woodland management, conservation grazing, running a visitor centre, information and interpretation. Cost £30, with £5 discount for CMA or CPN members. Contact Rachel Datlen at rdatlen@worcestershire.gov.uk for more information.

Rural Training Venue: The Woodland Enterprise Centre, near Flimwell, just SW of Tunbridge Wells. Training Room for up to 20 participants, Conference Hall for up to 80, digital projector, etc, catering & refreshment service available by request, FREE parking. An inspiring & refreshing venue - award winning architecture, automated woodfuelled heating system, surrounded by 20 hectares of semi-natural ancient woodland. www.woodnet.org.uk 01580 879552

A L Farm & Forestry Services Specialist fencing and countryside management contractors. Agricultural and domestic fencing contractors. Hedge management and countryside stewardship contractors. Also Hedgelaying tuition. Contact Adam Lynch 07989 416335 or 01675 481305 for further details or to discuss your requirements.

I import and sell scythes made by the Austrian firm Schroeckenfux (est 1540). These are 60 per cent the weight of an English scythe and provided with an adjustable ash wood snath (handle). I also provide training courses for beginners. www.thescytheshop.co.uk; 01460 249204; chapter7@tlio.org.uk

The Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust – Combating skills shortages .

For people new to the sector it is often very difficult to gain the practical skills required to get that precious first paid post. The widespread shortage of skills in the rural and heritage trades is nationally acknowledged. The increasing scarcity of appropriately qualified, skilled labour in the Yorkshire Dales and surrounding rural areas is already having an effect on the area’s capacity to resource local conservation and heritage projects. The Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) is a charity that supports the social, economic and environmental well-being of the Yorkshire Dales

Logo: Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust

and adjacent areas. Based in Clapham, on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, we are working to overcome these issues in a number of ways. With the support of partner organisations, we are now managing our third Countryside Management Traineeship Scheme. Raising funds for the scheme has been very difficult but we have put together a scheme, lasting 12 months, that gives trainees the opportunity to gain a solid grounding in the skills required of a countryside ranger position and at the same study for an NVQ2 in Countryside Management at Craven College. We hope the experience coupled with a national recognised qualification will help the trainees find jobs that are becoming increasingly difficult to fill. The rural skills shortage is an increasing problem as young people leave the countryside to find affordable accommodation and work in urban areas. The scheme offers benefits to land based employers as well who typically don’t have the financial or time resources to train young people so the opportunity to recruit trained and motivated staff is very welcome.

YDMT also manages The Rural Trades Network. This is a free online internet resource that is designed to boost the rural economy and tackle local skills shortages in the building, heritage, and land-based sectors. It provides a rural trades communication network in the Yorkshire Dales. It is available for use by householders, rural tradespeople, employers, and training providers and matches individuals needs with contractors or employers who can provide these specialist skills. With over 160 registered users the Rural Trades Network is proving to be an invaluable resource for rural businesses and communities.

If you would like more information please visit the YDMT website at www.ydmt.org or the Rural Trades Network website www.ruraltrades.org.uk. Alternatively contact the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, Old Post Office, Main Street, Clapham LA2 8DP. Telephone: (015242 51002)

Chris Lodge, Project Officer, Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust

Apprenticeships can sometimes offer another way to gain those vital first skills and experience. One such scheme is run by BTCV.

The Dry Stone Walling Apprenticeship scheme, jointly sponsored by the North Pennines AONB Partnership and BTCV, is a pilot designed to address the long standing shortage of skilled dry stone Wallers and to provide sustainable employment and self-employment opportunities for people of all ages across the North Pennines.

The qualification package was developed by the LANTRA Sector Skills Council and the Dry Stone Walling Association. It is a fully accredited umbrella qualification, consisting of NVQ Level 2 in Environmental Conservation, Key Skills Level 1 in Communications and Application of Numbers, and Dry Stone Walling Level 2.

The apprentices have learned skills to enable them to earn a living within the rural economy and the walling contractors who mentored the apprentices believe the scheme has provided business benefits to them.

The Environment and the Economy of the North Pennines have both demonstrably benefited from the scheme. Funding is being sought to offer a successor scheme, probably in early 2008

For more details please contact Lydia Mein on lydia.mein@btcv.org.uk 01388 529300 or write to BTCV, Durham Dales Centre, Stanhope Weardale, Co. Durham DL13 2FJ

Apprenticeships and Funded Training:

The Bill Hogarth MBE Memorial Apprenticeship Trust was set up to develop apprenticeships in coppicing and now has five apprentices in the NW of England. For information about the apprenticeship and details of our ‘Woodland Pioneers: introduction to coppicing’ week-long course held each September, go to http://www.coppiceapprentice.org.uk

50% funded training available until 31 December courtesy of the South Yorkshire Rural Skills Project.

The project aims to broaden the agriculture and forestry skill base and increase business effectiveness through training in South Yorkshire.

To find out more information contact Helen Spooner on 01706 873676 or e-mail helen.spooner@lantra.co.uk

The Botanic Gardens Education Network is offering training on a New Web Based European Resource for Primary Schools designed to improve plant science education. Subjects include Conservation, Art and Plants, Food and Experimenting with Plant Growth.

For more details 020 8241 8915 bgen@kew.org www.bgen.org.uk

Learning Environment in Marine, Urban and Rural areas (LEMUR) The Lemur project offers 'on the job' heritage training opportunities that provide the fundamental professional nature conservation skills, experience and vocational qualifications required to pursue a career in the natural heritage conservation sector. For further information visit the LEMUR website www.www.projectlemur.org

Volunteers:

BTCV Cymru The conservation charity offering a range of volunteering opportunities: Practical Conservation work, Community Development and health projects. Gain experience and training in conservation tasks, leadership skills, first aid, health & safety. Work with communities on nature gardens, waste management projects, community audits, environmental education and healthy eating. Tel: 01978 261538 Email: h.dodd@btcv.org.uk www.btcv.org.uk

Conservation Volunteers is a not for profit community organisation operating in Australia and New Zealand. The Conservation Experience program offers volunteers aged between 18 - 70 the opportunity to contribute in a practical way to conservation. The Conservation Experience program includes all meals, accommodation and project-related travel, starting from AU$945 for 4 weeks. www.conservationvolunteers.com.au

Free training and work experience in countryside skills available through our Project Scotland volunteer programme. Learn reserve maintenance skills, receive Lantra certificated training and enhance your career prospects. Opportunities available in Dumfries & Galloway, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Borders & Fife. Contact Peter Gilbert 0131 312 4732 or pgilbert@swt.org.uk

If you are interested in the wildlife of Dorset, please contact us at Dorset Environmental Records Centre to ask about workshops, publications and volunteering opportunities. See www.derc.org.uk or email derc@dorsetcc.gov.uk for more information. Last workshop this season: “Sphagnum Mosses and Cladonia Lichens in the NVC” on Thursday 25/10/07.

The IGOMANGO initiative currently offers volunteer placements at our conservation and community project sites in Guatemala, Central America. Gain practical work experience and recognised qualifications and insight into a different culture and lifestyle on the other side of the world. For information visit www.igomango.com or email info@igomango.com

Placements for young people:

BTCV Dorset can offer you FREE training to help you get that job. If you’re aged 16-35, live in Dorset and not in full time training get in touch. Funded by LSC we can offer you training in Woodland Management, First Aid and much more. Contact Kirsty 01202 632101, dorset@btcv.org.uk

BTCV West Sussex Beach Wardens for 16-25 year olds: find out about your local coast and sea. FREE training course about wildlife and volunteer work on your local coast. Plus run your own practical project. Starts in September 2007 in West Sussex. Contact Katy Dudman on 02380 769719 or scbw@btcv.org.uk

The wide range of methods of gaining experience and acquiring skills available sometimes makes it difficult to choose which is most suitable but perhaps if you're wanting to 'give something back' then joining one of the John Muir Trust Conservation Volunteers Work Parties may be the right one for you.

Logo: John Muir Trust

A programme of around fifteen work parties per year offers members and the general public a chance to give practical help to the trust and to learn a bit more about our conservation land management practices. The work parties last from one day to one week long and are run on our own properties such as the JMT estates on Skye, Schiehallion & Sandwood as well as on properties that are owned by partnership organisations including the North Harris Trust and the Knoydart Foundation.

The activity for each work party is decided by the management plans for each property and

can include a variety of tasks from beach cleaning & path maintenance to drystone walling repairs or tree planting. Last year one of our work parties was removing cairns on the summit of our Ben Nevis property when it hit the international headlines as it discovered the remains of a piano left there 20 years previously! As well as the general work parties we are developing a pool of regular volunteers who are taking on responsibility for ongoing tasks such as monitoring woodland regeneration transects or one off projects such as deer counts. Participation on the work parties is open to anyone (under 18’s have to be accompanied) and free as volunteers organise their own travel, accommodation & food. During 2006 volunteers gave the Trust around 450 days of work during these activities, of the 150 or so individuals participating around 80% of these came from Scotland with the remainder largely were from England. We largely adapt the work been undertaken to the abilities of the volunteers present. What has developed is the opportunity to informally exchange views on how “wild” land should be managed. For example the practical skills of a task such as upland path maintenance might be passed on by staff to volunteers on the hillside and subsequently during a break all will debate how to achieve the balance of improving or constructing new paths against the desire to leave an area wild.

You can see further details about the 2007 programme of volunteer conservation work parties at http://www.jmt.org/activities-conservation-work-parties.asp

The John Muir Trust is a conservation charity founded in 1983 to safeguard the future of wild lands against development and to promote awareness and recognition of the value of such places. We are relatively small in size at around 10,000 members across the UK. Sandy Maxwell, John Muir Trust, Conservation Work Parties Co-ordinator

Professional Bodies and other relevant organisations offering professional training:

Logo: Lantra

Who or what is Lantra? Lantra is the Sector Skills Council for the Environmental and Land-based Sector. Our objective is to work in partnership with governments and educational/training organisations to ensure that the skills and qualifications provided to the 17 industries (including environmental conservation, agriculture, floristry and animal care) we work with are those that the industries demand.

We have to work closely with each industry to identify the business needs so that we can shape policies, get funding and learning provision for the benefit of all involved, promote the importance of having a highly skilled and motivated workforce through training and development and show how training can enhance businesses productivity, sustainability - and ultimately profitability. For more information visit www.lantra.co.uk.

The Essex Wildlife Trust runs programmes for children and young people and informal short courses for the general public. Our training and survey programme runs specialised day courses. We invest in our volunteers offering on the job training in practical conservation techniques.

Website www.essexwt.org.uk or contact Rachel Steward (01621) 86299l.

The Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM) is a professional body which supports ecologists and environmental managers. IEEM runs one- and two-day training courses across the UK and Ireland and currently runs five topical conferences a year. For further information about our training events please go to www.ieem.net.

Gwent Wildlife Trust offers education services from pre-school to continuing professional development for ecological professionals. Courses include species identification, ecological management techniques and also in-service training for teachers who wish to use the "outdoor classroom." For full details, please see our web site www.gwentwildlife.org

RSPB conservation management advice and training.

Interested in finding out how to manage a wide range of habitats for birds and other wildlife? Woodlands or heathland, reedbeds or wet grassland, farmland or scrub - Our experienced land management advisors provide practical, professional training on a range of habitats. Contact conservation-advice@rspb.org.uk for further details.

IPROW (Institute of Public Rights of Way Management Ltd) Training

Specialist training tailored for rights of way and access professionals

Tel: 07000 782319 Web: www.iprow.co.uk Email: training@iprow.co.uk

CIWEM is an independent professional body and registered charity, advancing the science and practice of water and environmental management for a clean, green and sustainable world. CIWEM wants to create a sustainable, multi-skilled profession, and so provides professional development opportunities, access to government consultations, conferences and publications. For more information contact admin@ciwem.org or visit www.ciwem.org

Environmental & Wildlife Habitat Management Service covering Avon and Somerset, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Dorset. We aim to provide meaningful employment which gives staff the practical experience required to advance their careers. We also promote the development of a fresh approach, integrating nature conservation with ecologically-inspired philosophies. www.green-mantle.co.uk

Funding training is sometimes quite expensive but there are some sources of money to help you along.

Logo: Countryside Venture

Countryside Venture Ltd is a small national charity (No 299995) established in 1989, with the object of advancing education in practical rural skills, which we believe are essential to maintain diverse regional and local countryside characteristics and to restore and maintain wildlife habitat. In order to make this happen we offer small bursaries for training in rural skills to individuals and to training providers.

We offer assistance to many volunteers as well as those already established in the countryside field but who require further support. The range of skills supported is diverse but examples of courses recently grant aided includes: dry stone walling, charcoal burning, hedgelaying, coppicing, working in green oak timber, chainsaw training, small woodland management, ecological surveying and specific species monitoring such as mosses and liverworts and butterflies. During the past year support has been offered to fourteen individuals and one training provider. Typically support averages out at £350 per individual to £1200 for group training - although this is just a guide.

The charity receives many applications demonstrating a steady demand for these short training courses. We fund as many people as we can and grants are given to a broad age spectrum of adults seeking to broaden their work skills base to improve their prospects of working in countryside management. Successful applicants are required to provide us with a report on completion of the course.

The charity has no paid staff or premises therefore running costs are minimal and almost all money raised therefore goes into the charitable aims. All monies received by the charity are via donations, sponsorships or bequests.

If you are interested in our work, either to apply for funding or to support the charity visit our website at www.countrysideventure.org.uk or contact us at Countryside Venture, 156 High Street, Dorking, Surrey. RH4 1BQ. We would love to hear from you.

David Kennington, Chairman, Countryside Venture

Distance Learning:

	Distance Education: Want to update your skills and improve your job prospects? Then you might want to consider undertaking one of our 350+SHORT courses, Certificates and Diplomas. All our courses are by Distance Learning- you can study from the comfort of
your home and start any time. Our courses are continually updated and are IARC (International Accreditation & Recognition Council) accredited. For further details contact our friendly Course Advisors at Warnborough College, Canterbury. Tel: (0)1227 762 109, Email: inquiries@warnborugh.ac.uk, www.warnborough.ac.uk

Horticultural Correspondence College

Correspondence courses in horticulture, arboriculture and agriculture to include RHS Examination courses Level 2,. Advanced, Diploma and M. Hort. RFS Cert. in Abor Call 01225 816700 for details or visit our website www.hccollege.co.uk

UHI Millennium Institute UHI is a higher education institute based in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Many UHI courses can be studied at a distance and are available at undergraduate and postgraduate level. They can be studied as a whole, or individual modules can be studied as CPD. Check www.uhi.ac.uk for details.

Interested in the countryside, agriculture, horticulture, but don’t have time to attend a college? Why not try a distance learning course with ACS Distance Education. Over 400 courses on offer. Visit our website at www.acsedu.co.uk, email us at info@acsedu.co.uk or ring 0800 328 4723 for more information.

Integrated Environmental Management by distance learning. Courses include 3 year MSc, 3 month IEMA Associate Membership course, 3 month specialist environmental management topics. Contact Sue Cox: Email iem@bath.ac.uk, telephone +44 (0)1225 386405. www.bath.ac.uk/iem/

So you want to be a Ranger? – Specialist Ranger Training at Aigas Field Centre

We offer a unique and comprehensive ranger training experience. The Aigas Ranger Training Scheme (ARTS) consists of an initial 5 week intensive training period which includes briefings, lectures, workshops and field visits encompassing all aspects of the natural world. After the initial training period, rangers begin 8 months of work-experience with a wide variety of groups from pre-school toddlers to specialist international bird watching groups. No two days are the same at Aigas!

Logo: Aigas

The ARTS has been undergoing a process of continuous development for more than 25 years. During this time the programme has evolved and matured into the complete and comprehensive package which it is today. More than 140 rangers have passed through our doors since we started and many of those rangers have progressed to work for some of our most respected conservation organisations such as RSPB, SNH, WWF, SWT, the FC and many local authorities. We recruit annually in December and vacancies are advertised on the CJS website and the Aigas website.

“The Ranger Training Scheme has given me invaluable practical experience in a wide range of areas associated with nature conservation and this will hopefully enable me to pursue full time positions in the future. You learn so much, plus you get the added bonus of seeing awesome Highland wildlife and scenery every day!” Michael Werndly, 2007 Aigas Ranger.

To find out more visit www.aigas.co.uk.

Longer courses, NVQ to MSc and beyond:

We offer everything for countryside management training through our CoVE (Centre of Vocational Excellence in Land-based Industries) – Level 1, First Diploma, National Diploma, NVQ’s (Levels 2 & 3), Apprenticeship Programmes progressing to Foundation Degrees (in partnership with UEA) in Ecology and Conservation Management, Agricultural Management as well as courses in Gamekeeping and Arboriculture . Vocational short courses are available for NPTC Chainsaw and PA Qualifications. Our services to business department can provide courses to suit your organisation’s needs. For further information, a prospectus or booking ring 01603 731211 or send an enquiry to info@easton.ac.uk

Environmental Sustainability and Countryside Management Training at Warwickshire College.

Courses are offered as short leisure courses, bespoke courses plus, part-time and full time options and we are launching new higher education courses in environmental conservation and sustainability for Sept 2008. For more information please contact student services on 01926 318318. www.warkscol.ac.uk

Moulton College has an unrivalled reputation for excellence in training for the Land Based, Construction and Furniture industries. There are Further and Higher Education courses in Countryside Management, Agriculture, Arboriculture and many other areas. Also training and assessment for land-based machinery and equipment. Contact 01604 491131 for more details or visit www.moulton.ac.uk

Craven College Centre for Rural and Equine Studies

From Short courses to degree level study in a wide variety of areas; contact Craven College on 01756 791411 or visit www.craven-college.ac.uk for further details. Animal care, Floristry, Horticulture, Equine Studies, Environmental Conservation, Rural Mechanics, Countryside Management and much more

The leading college in North Wales for landbased studies. A wide selection of high quality courses in agriculture, forestry & conservation are offered. Open Days on September 5 & 6 from 12pm-8pm. For further details telephone 01978 790263, visit our website www.llysfasi.ac.uk or e-mail admin@llysfasi.ac.uk

Myerscough College is one of the UK’s largest land-based Colleges offering courses including Agriculture, Countryside, Arboriculture and Horticulture from entry to degree level. Myerscough’s beautiful, friendly and excellently resourced campus is located a few miles north of Preston. For more information, contact Course Enquiries on 01995 642211, email enquiries@myerscough.ac.uk or visit www.myerscough.ac.uk

Merrist Wood offer courses in a wide range of land-based subjects including, arboriculture and countryside.

We have considerable experience in providing quality education and training to enable you to acquire all the practical and theoretical skills of an arboriculturist or for work in the countryside sector including tree climbing, chainsaw skills and managing trees and woodland. 01483 884040 www.guildford.ac.uk

The College of West Anglia provides courses in Agriculture, Countryside Management, Animal Care, Equine, Horticulture & Vet nursing. For more details call our Milton Campus on 01223 860701, our Wisbech Campus on 01945 581024 or visit our website www.col-westanglia.ac.uk

Hadlow College Countryside Management Courses: Visit our website to find out more about our courses in Countryside Management at www.hadlow.ac.uk We offer Further Education, degrees & short courses at our sites in Kent. Call free on 0500 551434 for more details. Hadlow College, Tonbridge, Kent TN11 0AL

MA Sustainable Development Advocacy - running over 10 months from September 2007, full-time or 2 years part-time, the innovative & experiential course is based in Hereford with related work placements throughout the West Midlands. See www.bulmerfoundation.org.uk & contact Professor Shirley Ali Khan 01432 294113

Liverpool Hope University offers an MSc in Environmental Management that provides a flexible package promoting academic development directly applicable to professional practice in environmental management. A degree of specialisation is provided in areas of nature conservation management, urban change & coastal management. Contact Dr Kevin Crawford (crawfok@hope.ac.uk) for more information.

Emerson College, an international centre for adult education based on the work of Rudolf Steiner offers among many other courses a two year training in Biodynamic agriculture focused on the creation of healthy balanced sustainable farms. Students graduate with a level 3 BTEC National Certificate in Agriculture.

Emerson College , tel. 01342-822238 www.biodynamics.org.uk www.emerson.org.uk

Myerscough College is launching the country’s first ever Masters Degree in Arboriculture & Urban Forestry, starting in September 2007. This will be available as a full-time (one year) & part-time (three year) course, as well as a post-graduate diploma option. For further details of the course & how to apply, visit www.myerscough.ac.uk/?page=subjects-arboriculture-masters

Biodynamic Organic Agriculture at Emerson College
The focus of the two year training is the creation of healthy balanced sustainable farms. Combines study at the college during the winter with a placement on organic or biodynamic farm during the summer. Students graduate with a level 3 BTEC National Certificate in Agriculture Emerson College, tel. 01342-822238, www.emerson.org.uk

BCA is Berkshires’ Countryside College, based just outside Maidenhead. We offer a range of full & part-time programmes in areas including Countryside Management & Horticulture, as well as a range of NPTC Certificates of Competence. Visit our website at www.bca.ac.uk or call us free on 0800 0711 666.

The University of Central England in Birmingham offers a full suite of undergraduate & postgraduate courses in Architecture, Landscape Architecture & Architectural Administration at the UCE Birmingham School of Architecture. Contact the School office on 0121 331 5130 or visit either www.biad.uce.ac.uk or www.birminghamschoolofarchitecture.co.uk for further information.

Welsh College of Horticulture. Landbased education Tel: 01352 841000 Email: info@wcoh.ac.uk Web: www.wcoh.ac.uk

Benefit from short, part time & full time courses at Britian's Greenest College. Visit our website www.pershore.ac.uk or Tel 01386 552443 for more details.

The Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester is a leading university college offering education & training at postgraduate, undergraduate & foundation level for the agriculture, land, food business, equine & property industries. It is recognised globally for the quality of its graduates who benefit from a world class education.admissions@rac.ac.uk www.rac.ac.uk

Bicton College in beautiful East Devon For courses about land & the environment including Agriculture, Countryside, Arboriculture & Horticulture from entry to degree level, full & part-time. From chainsaws, trailer towing & horse riding to environmental arts & crafts & environmental education. Telephone 01395 562400, website www.bicton.ac.uk or email enquiries@bicton.ac.uk

Reaseheath College offers a tremendous range of Higher Education courses which are run in partnership with Harper Adams University College & The University of Chester. Countryside, Golf & Sports Turf Management & Agriculture are just a few of the Higher Education areas available to study. Visit www.reaseheath.ac.uk for more information.

Our permaculture courses take place across the British Isles giving you three levels of qualification: Introductory (usually 1-2 days), Full Permaculture Design courses (at least 72hrs teaching), & the Diploma in Applied Permaculture Design (2 years). For further details see www.permaculture.org.uk, email office@permaculture.org.uk or call 0845 4581805.

Writtle College, Chelmsford Essex, www.writtle.ac.uk - one of the UK's leading providers of education in conservation & environment. The College provides full & part-time vocational training, University of Essex Foundation & Honours degrees & Postgraduate programmes, as well as short courses & training programmes for employers within the countryside sector.

SAC Education - SAC provides a wide range of full & part-time land based courses at all levels - HNC, HND, Degree & Postgraduate from its three Campuses in Aberdeen, Ayr & Edinburgh. We have also recently introduced flexible learning qualifications in Countryside Management & Environmental Studies. For further information please 'phone 0800 269453 or www.sac.ac.uk/learning

Oxford Brookes University offers MScs in Environmental Assessment & Management, Environmental Management & Technology & Conservation Ecology. Engage in applied & near-market scientific research whilst benefiting from our flexible programmes & friendly support network. Please contact our Postgraduate Administrator (fben-ghorab@brookes.ac.uk or +44 (0) 1865 483932) for further information

Duchy College. Cornwall's College of the Countryside www.duchy.ac.uk Courses available at all levels in Conservation & Countryside Management, from NVQ Level 1 & upwards - including a brand new Foundation Degree. Contact us for more information – places available for September start. t. 01209 722100

e. rosewarne.enquiries@duchy.ac.uk

Details believed correct but given without prejudice. A4 side this Special Edition: 14