About
Do you want to help protect the UK’s natural environment?
If you’re keen to work outdoors and to learn how to protect the British countryside, Reaseheath is the perfect place for you to study!
The British countryside, and the wildlife it supports, is increasingly under threat and our climate is changing. For people who are passionate about our great outdoors, there are careers in conservation which could give you the chance to help make a positive impact on our environment.
Our environmental conservation courses have been designed to equip you with the scientific knowledge and practical skills to start your journey towards a challenging and rewarding career in conservation.
You’ll cover a broad range of subjects through practical sessions and classroom activities whilst carrying out coastal habitat surveys, undertaking woodland management works and working with local communities on a host of outreach projects.
You’ll also have the chance to go on a range of field trips in the UK and abroad, to give you a variety of experiences studying in the countryside.
Courses
Further Education
Higher Education
Adult Learners
Student Success
Alex Pendlebury
Current job role: Assistant Ranger, Tatton Park
Previous courses: Level 3 Diploma in Conservation and Wildlife Management 2014
Foundation Degree in Countryside, Conservation and Recreation Management 2017
“A combination of my college learning plus volunteering with the ranger team at Tatton Park got me to where I am now. Countryside management is a great industry to work in. My role includes managing the deer herd, checking barn owl boxes, tree management and working alongside our volunteers.
“I developed my interest while shadowing the rangers at Tatton as part of my Level 3 and was offered a full time job there while I was still on the course. I then studied part time for my Foundation Degree at Reaseheath alongside my job and was promoted to my current role just before I graduated.
“I enjoyed my time at college. Every lecturer helped me to progress.”
Find out more
Why study?
Why study Aquatic Ecosystems and Fisheries Management at Reaseheath?
Tackle field work projects including canoeing along the River Weaver surveying for water voles.
Hear from leading industry practitioners from organisations including The National Trust, The Black Fish, RSPB, English Heritage and Cheshire Wildlife Trust.
Learn practical skills such as field surveying and animal and plant identification.
Put your learning into real life practice with an industry placement. We work closely with partners such as the National Trust, the Forestry Commission and the Wildlife Trusts.
Join field trips where you’ll explore the UK and overseas including visits to the Isle of Skye and Tenerife.
Our inspirational teaching staff have all worked in the industry.
Career
Where could your career take you?
The nature of our courses mean that your career progression options are truly diverse. Many of our students choose to further their studies at university whilst others go straight into employment in the industry.
You could find yourself investigating the importance of UK ecology to support conservation through improving wildlife habitats and recording species numbers across the UK.
Your career options with an environmental conservation qualification are as diverse as the British countryside you will be working in! A number of key roles you could progress on to include:
- Ranger
- Conservation assistant or officer
- Environmental ecologist
- Forest Schools practitioner
- Countryside contractor
- Environmental project manager
Experience
Your Reaseheath Experience
It’s non-stop action for our conservation students. From working on campus to getting involved in community-based projects, there’s so many opportunities to gain valuable experience that will stand you in great stead to get a job or go onto further studies once you’ve finished your course.
The focus of this course is on the UK countryside, but if you’ve got your sights set on working further afield, you’ll gain lots of transferable skills, so you’ll be well equipped to work anywhere in the world!
Study tours will give you the chance to socialise with your classmates, make industry connections and explore the countryside in more depth,
like our most recent trips to Anglesey and the Shropshire Wildlife Trust. Students took part in surveys and lots of other practical conservation work, all adding to their practical skills and knowledge while exposing them to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the UK.
Our environmental conservation students also enjoyed an overseas study tour to Tenerife. The focus of the trip was marine conservation with students undertaking important research into the islands’ dolphin and whale populations.
Industry
Industry links
We have strong training partnerships with key environmental organisations including the National Trust, the Forestry Commission and the Wildlife Trusts. As part of your course you will complete an industry relevant work placement giving you valuable experience for your CV. Last year one of our students did their work placement on the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales!
You’ll also do additional industry qualifications such as chainsaw handling and safe use of brushcutters, all to help complement your core studies and further enhance your employability.
Community
Working in the community
Birdwatching, bush craft and campfire cooking were among the Forest School activities led by our environmental conservation students at St John’s CE Primary School in Sandbach.
Our students also redeveloped woodland in the school grounds to make it more accessible for both pupils and wildlife. They selectively felled trees, built habitat piles, designed and installed a bird screen and renovated a fire pit.
A local Rainbow Girl Guiding group also enjoyed working with our students building bat boxes to place around the church site where they meet.
Facilities
Where you’ll be studying
Studying amongst 330 hectares of farms, parklands, lake and woodland means you’re never far from the environment we love! Our beautiful campus provides plenty of opportunities for you to develop your practical skills and you’ll be close to some of the best countryside the UK has to offer – with Cannock Chase, The Roaches, the Peak District and North Wales right on the doorstep.
Industry view
“Working in conservation has allowed me to achieve a sense of personal happiness and a level of general content I never dreamed possible. You never stop learning in this job sector, animals and habitats do not always follow the guide books, and as such, an open mind, an ability to adapt and an ability to overcome in the face of adversity is important. The most important tool in any conservationists arsenal however is enthusiasm. Without that you will not last long. Work hard, establish networks through volunteering, remain positive, take each day as it comes, and you will do very well in this sector.”
Mark PritchardTyrer Ecological Consultants Ltd
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Further Education: 01270 613242
Higher Education: 01270 613284
Switchboard: 01270 625131
Higher Education: 01270 613284
Switchboard: 01270 625131