Wildlife & Conservation Courses in Guildford, Surrey
Become a… countryside ranger or warden, estate manager, environment or conservation officer, wildlife and plant/tree surveyor or self employed contractor in the countryside industry and many more…!
Love the outdoors? We can provide you with the ultimate 400 acre outdoor classroom featuring woodlands, wetlands, heathland, livestock and grasslands! You’ll learn a range of countryside and land-related skills and techniques in our grounds and be instructed in the use of machinery by subject-specialist staff.
You’ll also gain relevant practical knowledge relating to the traditional, sustainable management of land, the process of monitoring and surveying flora and fauna, the management of livestock as conservation graziers and the impact of urban development, farming, building and the general public on the rural environment.
Why choose Merrist Wood College?
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400-acre estate featuring woodlands, wetlands, heathland, livestock and grasslands
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Fully functioning farm with rare breed sheep and cows, pigs, goats, llamas, chickens and ducks
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Well-equipped workshops and machinery with instruction by subject-specialist staff
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Training towards chainsaw, tractor and trailer and brush cutter qualifications
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Extensive field trips to explore a range of sites in local counties
Day to day
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Surveying and monitoring wildlife, flora and fauna
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Creating and maintaining habitats
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Keeping footpaths and bridleways clear and safe
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Working on the land on practical tasks such as clearing debris, planting and pruning
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Advising the general public and working within and for the local community
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Liaising with local government agencies, landowners and businesses
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Creating surveys and writing reports
Average salary
Local countryside rangers can earn between £16-20,000 a year.
Moving on
You could move on to the Applied Ecology and Countryside Management Foundation Degree at the College or related courses at a university of your choice for example in Countryside Conservation or Sustainable Rural Development.
Links
www.naturenet.net - The leading independent web resource for countryside management, nature conservation, and biodiversity in the UK.
www.countrysidemanagement.org.uk - The Countryside Management Association is the largest organisation of its kind representing professionals engaged in countryside and urban green space management throughout England and Wales.
www.royagcol.ac.uk - The official website for the Royal Agricultural Society.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk - Brief histories and visitor information on over 300 historic buildings and gardens owned by the National Trust in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
www.lantra.co.uk - Lantra is the sector skills council for the environmental and land-based sector.
www.wildlifetrusts.org - The largest UK voluntary organisation dedicated to conserving the full range of the UK’s habitats and species.