Northumberland College has launched a new Advanced Technical Diploma and Extended Diploma in Land and Wildlife Management to train the next generation of conservation professionals.
Northumberland is home to some of the UK’s most ecologically significant landscapes – from the woodlands of the Cheviots to the coastal dunes of Druridge Bay and the iconic waters of the Tyne and Coquet.
The county’s woodlands, freshwater systems, coastal environments, and working landscapes support a rich mosaic of species and key habitats. However, these habitats are under pressure due to land-use changes, climate shifts, and biodiversity loss, making skilled conservation professionals more vital than ever.
Designed in consultation with Northumberland National Park Authority, Land and Nature Skills Services, and the Northumberland Rivers Trust, the course will be delivered at the college’s top performing land based campus, Kirkley Hall, to ensure that graduates gain the skills, knowledge, and practical experience needed to manage and protect key habitats across the region.
Lee Lister, Northumberland College’s Kirkley Hall Campus Principal, said: “This is an exciting new programme which will support the regional economy, collaborate with the brilliant environmental protection organisations in the Northeast and develop skills in students for successful careers in this much needed growth sector. Environmental stewardship is vitally important needed skill globally and we are proud to be supporting the next generation of stewards who will protect our natural capital
Tracey Jackson Manager at Land and Nature Skills Service (LANSS), said: “The LANSS were pleased to be consulted on the preferred modules for the Land and Wildlife Management Advanced Technical Diploma/Extended Diploma.
“It is excellent news that the College are going to be adding this course to their range of training opportunities. There is a pressing need for knowledge and skills development in the land and nature sectors, as we see a focus in government policy on enhancing the environment, there will be many opportunities in this sector going forward.”
Northumberland’s landscapes provide critical ecosystems for protected and priority species, including our native red squirrels, internationally significant wading birds such as curlews and oystercatchers, white-clawed crayfish and Atlantic salmon.
In addition, the region is experiencing several reintroductions of native species in conjunction with invasive species management to support ecosystem health and persistence. The preservation of these species and associated habitats is critical to support ecosystem services that our industries rely on, such as soil quality, water purification, and climate stabilization.
With increasing pressures on these environments, the demand for professionals skilled in habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, and estate management has never been greater.
Unlike many classroom-based courses, Northumberland College’s Land and Wildlife Management qualifications focus on real-world conservation practice. Developed with input from leading conservation organisations, the curriculum provides hands-on experience in woodland, freshwater, coastal, and agricultural habitat management and focused on skills designed to meet industry and regional need, for example, estates, machinery and surveying skills, deer management and pest and predator control.
The one-year Advanced Technical Diploma and two-year Extended Diploma are open to both 16-18-year-olds and adult learners, making them an ideal route for those starting out in conservation or retraining for a new career.
With increasing investment in nature recovery, sustainable land management, and habitat restoration, now is the ideal time to train for a career in conservation. This course is designed to produce work-ready graduates who can go on to roles such as conservation officers and rangers, ecological Consultants, estate and land managers, habitat restoration specialists and environmental educators.
For those working in conservation, this qualification provides a reliable training route for new entrants. If you know someone considering a career in land and wildlife management, this course offers practical, industry-led training tailored to Northumberland’s conservation needs.
Julie Phillips, Green Pathways Project Officer at Northumberland National Park Authority said:
“The Land and Wildlife Management Advanced Technical/Extended Diploma at Northumberland College will provide students with knowledge and skills relevant to a wide range of different careers in the land management and conservation sectors. It will be a valuable qualification to help students gain entry level roles in the industry, as well as providing opportunities for further study, to help sustain rural communities for the future.
“The Green Pathways Project at Northumberland National Park Authority supports young people to get into green sector careers and we consider this diploma to be a relevant and exciting pathway.”
To find out more about the Level Three Advanced Technical Diploma and Extended Diploma in Land and Wildlife Management, visit https://northumberland.ac.uk/courses/.
We are the largest further education provider in Northumberland with campuses throughout the county.
Our student transport scheme is available for eligible students to make getting to and from college as easy as possible.
Our extensive re-development programme will create outstanding new facilities.
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