Countryside and Conservation

Are you inspired by the natural environment? Do you feel a responsibility to maintain it for the wellbeing of future generations?

If you believe in safeguarding our environment and share a desire to educate others, we can help you to achieve your goals.

We offer flexible study routes including part-time courses and evening classes, which could be ideal if you are looking to change your career or if you are returning to education.

Did you know?

Set in 330 hectares of Cheshire countryside, our campus is the ideal facility for the study of countryside management and conservation

Courses

Full-time

Industry focused

The UK provides a diverse range of natural habitats and wildlife species, many of which are at risk from the effects of climate change and the impact of environmental issues. Our courses prepare you for work in this vital industry, to give you the skills needed to protect our environment before it’s too late.

Placement

Complete an industry focused work placement

You will undertake a relevant industry placement* as part of your work-based learning module. You can gain experience through our close links with local authorities, businesses and organisations such as the Forestry Commission, Groundworks Trust, Tatton Park and Lyme Park. The industry contacts you build during your placement could lead to employment or volunteering opportunities.

*Travel arrangements at your own cost.

Location

Study in a rural location

Set in 330 hectares of Cheshire countryside, our campus is the ideal facility for the study of countryside management and conservation. With access to woodland, formal gardens, lakes, rivers and streams, agricultural land and an arboretum, you will undertake research projects and fieldwork onsite.

Our estate is managed under the Environmental Stewardship land management scheme and you will learn how to enhance and manage habitats to attract wildlife species. The location of our campus provides you with easy access to areas of outstanding natural beauty including the Peak District, the Lake District, Wales and a range of coastal habitats.

Reaseheath is involved in the delivery of a number of CaBA water quality improvement projects across Shropshire and Cheshire, and has proved to be extremely effective at liaising with land managers in those project areas.

Our water environment is already under intense pressure and will meet yet further and increasing significant challenges from climate change, species extinction and population growth. This will result in increased fresh water scarcity, flooding, biodiversity and habitat loss in coming years. As all life relies on water, it is extremely important that the next generation of students is encouraged to become guardians of the water environment.

Whether students enter sectors in land management, environment, engineering and technology, construction, health, food, or any other sector, they will need to find sustainable ways of preserving and enhancing our fresh water environment, creating alternative approaches, technologies and methods of adapting to these changes.

Guy PluckwellCatchment co-ordinator, Environment Agency

Career ready

A degree in countryside and conservation is your gateway to many exciting career pathways. There is demand for skilled graduates in the areas of environmental science, ecology and habitat restoration.

Gain extra qualifications

You can gain industry recognised qualifications* in addition to your core studies in skills such as spraying, chainsaw handling and chipper operations, which will help broaden your industry knowledge and make your CV stand out.

Your career opportunities

Many of our graduates progress into industry and work for local councils, authorities and charitable trusts.

Here are just some of the careers available to you:

*Additional qualifications are optional and at an additional cost.

Student success

Annie Newport

BSc (Hons) Environmental Systems Management 2020 FdSc Environmental Science for Conservation 2019

I’m passionate about finding ways to manage the countryside so it benefits both wildlife and people.

I’m researching the effect of neonicotinoids on bees and whether there are alternative, less harmful ways of managing crop pests. I’m collecting crop yield data from arable farmers and I’m hoping to show that natural methods are as effective as insecticides.

Research and technology both have a big future in the environmental industry. Soil and water testing kits are developing and phone linked technology is useful in the field as you don’t have to carry a lot of heavy equipment.

I think a degree proves to employers that you’re serious about your career. I’m looking forward to what the future may bring.