Posted on 22 November 2011
Countryside Students Working on the Common
Students studying wildlife and conservation at Merrist Wood College in Worplesdon have been working with rangers at the Surrey Wildlife Trust to help manage local heathland. The students, ranging from 16 to 60 year olds, assisted with scrub clearing on both Ockham Common near Wisley and Royal and Bagmoor Commons near Elstead. Other work included management of heather and creating bare ground for wet heathland plants.
The students have been studying wildlife management as part of their course and the conservation work helps to provide important habitat for endangered wildlife such as sand lizards, nightjars and woodlarks.
Ranger Fiona Haynes commented “It was a really important contribution to the management of the area”. Wildlife and Conservation Tutor Ron Hills added “This has provided the students with a very valuable experience. Partnerships with conservation organisations are very important in helping students develop skills and gain employment on completion of their course”.
Merrist Wood College offers a wide range of full and part-time Wildlife, Conservation and related courses. For further information please contact the College on 01483 884040 or visit www.merristwood.ac.uk|