GreenChoices

Courses on conservation skills

Hedge-laying, drystone walling, using chainsaws, and a host of other conservation skills can be learnt, usually on short courses, though these may be part of other land-based industry courses, such as forestry, agriculture or horticulture. There are also training organisations which specialise in arranging tailor-made courses:

• BTCV is a major course provider for volunteers working, or wanting to work, in conservation. They can offer training and assessment for National and Scottish Vocational Qualifications (NVQs / SVQs) in Environmental Conservation. BTCV also organise working holidays and midweek or weekend projects which provide an opportunity to learn while doing.

• The Field Studies Council is committed to bringing environmental understanding to all and runs a range of leisure learning, special interest and training courses at 16 centres in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and, with the Scottish Field Studies Association, in Scotland. Ranging generally in length from one day to a week courses include habitat management, nature conservation and identification skills (at various levels) as well as walking, exploring, arts and crafts.