If you are thinking about studying Environmental Conservation in September, there are a number of things you can do to prepare.

To be a great environmentalist or conservationist, you will need to develop the ability to think synoptically, being able to see the greater overview and how everything we study links together. Environmental conservation is not just about the studying habitats, species and landscapes, it is also the relationships that exists between species and their environment.

How can I develop before September?

Below are some links to podcasts, websites, books and even films which provide a great way of staying inspired and engaged with the course content:

Podcasts:

• BBC – podcast topics include: climate change, carbon, urban greening, deforestation, alternative powers, and plastics
• Royal Geographical Society ‘Ask the Geographer’ – topics include: Australian wildlife, global water security, global migration and wildlife impact

Books:

• Brush up on your species identification – bird spotting out of the window or when you are out on a walk. The Collins Complete Guide to British Birds is a good book to use for this. Identification books on most British species can be found in print, or alternatives are available online.
• There are also a wide range of environmental conservation books available on a number of different topics, focus on something you are interested in and find out more information.
• There are also a number of wildlife magazine that you could read:
  • Discover Wildlife
  • RSPB Nature’s Home magazine
  • Marine Conservation Society

Documentaries:

There are some great documentaries which will help develop your general knowledge and understanding and help you see what an amazing world we live in.

The following are all available on BBC iPlayer or ITV Hub:

• Greta Thunberg – takes her cause further to try to educate and inspire people to work towards a more sustainable future
• David Attenborough Box Sets – there are 9 amazing boxsets available on iPlayer from David Attenborough exploring our amazing world
• The Americas with Simon Reeve – the first episode in Alaska/Canada is particularly good for resource security looking at energy
• Simon Reeve Around the World – the Russia series is really interesting
• Joanna Lumley’s Hidden Caribbean: Havana to Haiti
• Race Across the World
• Andrew Marrs Megacities

Watch on Netflix, DVD or YouTube:

• Before the Flood – a film presented by Leonardo DiCaprio, exploring climate change and looking at what needs to be done today to prevent catastrophic disruption
• Our Planet – explores how climate change impacts all living creatures

Watching the news: 

You should be regularly watching the news to keep you up-to-date with what is happening in relations to the inter-relationship between people and the environment. You will be really surprised how many of the news bulletins relate to what you are studying.

• BBC News – an excellent source of up to date articles. Explore headings such as science, UK and world
• The Guardian – again many useful articles and logically ordered. Keep an eye on the environment, science, society and global development stories in particular
• The Conversation – up-to-date articles from academics and specialists in the field written in a way that is accessible to all, summarising the key points in a short but insightful articles