Wildlife and environmental conservation

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A welcome from the Head of Agriculture, Arboriculture and Environmental Conservation - Vicky Beckwith

Hello and congratulations on your offer to study with us! I'm delighted you've chosen to join our wildlife and environmental conservation department at Capel Manor College.

Whether you're passionate about wildlife, protecting the environment or simply enjoy being outdoors, you've chosen a course that will challenge you, develop your confidence and give you real practical experience.

Environmental conservation is about understanding, protecting and improving the natural world. It combines practical land management skills with ecology, habitat restoration and sustainability, helping to tackle some of today's biggest environmental challenges. Our aim is to help you develop these skills in a supportive environment where learning is practical,
relevant and enjoyable.

Depending on your course you'll be based at either the Enfield or Mottingham Campus, learning across a variety of habitats including woodlands, grasslands, wetlands and working landscapes. Practical learning takes place both on campus and at local conservation sites, giving you the opportunity to develop your skills in real environments while working on projects that benefit wildlife, habitats and local communities.

Our team has a wealth of industry experience and we're passionate about helping learners succeed. We know everyone arrives with different experiences and levels of confidence, and we'll support you every step of the way.

I hope you're as excited as we are to get started! We look forward to welcoming you in September and helping you begin the next stage of your journey.

Head of arboriculture, agriculture and environmental conservation at Capel Manor College - Victoria Beckwith.

Course overview

Our wildlife and environmental conservation courses combine classroom learning with practical experience to prepare you for a career protecting and managing the natural environment.

Based at either our Enfield or Mottingham Campus, you'll develop practical skills across a range of habitats, both on campus and at local conservation sites. You'll gain experience in habitat management, species identification, ecological surveying, countryside management and practical conservation techniques, while building your knowledge of biodiversity, sustainability and environmental legislation.

You'll also have opportunities to meet employers, visit nature reserves and conservation projects, and take part in practical environmental work - helping you build confidence, develop professional skills and explore the wide range of careers available within the conservation sector.

Wildlife and environmental conservation students at Capel Manor College performing practical work underneath a tree arch.

Modules and structure

Your course combines classroom learning with practical experience. As you progress, we'll encourage you to become increasingly independent and confident, preparing you for employment or further study. Throughout the year you'll build knowledge and skills in areas such as:

  • Ecology and ecosystems
  • Species and habitat identification
  • Habitat creation and management
  • Woodland and countryside management
  • Practical conservation
  • Environmental surveying and monitoring
  • Sustainability and climate change
  • Health and safety
  • Environmental legislation
  • Working as part of a professional team
Wildlife and environmental conservation student from Capel Manor College digging a hole during a practical session

Equipment and uniform

Wildlife and environmental conservation is a practical subject, and you'll spend a lot of time outdoors in all weathers. You will also be using laptops/computers and the Microsoft Office suite, including Microsoft Teams. Don't worry if you don't have everything on day one - we'll explain what you'll need during induction. Before you start we recommend bringing:

  • Steel toe-cap work boots or sturdy walking boots
  • Waterproof clothing
  • Warm layers
  • Practical outdoor clothing suitable for fieldwork
  • A notebook and pen
  • A refillable water bottle

Meet the team

Head of arboriculture, agriculture and environmental conservation at Capel Manor College - Victoria Beckwith.

Vicky Beckwith

Faheem Ahmed

Fay Smith

Diane Morris
Wildlife and Environmental Conservation Intermediate Diploma (Level 2)

Preparing for study

If you'd like to get a head start before September, here are a few ideas:

Watch

• BBC Countryfile
• Springwatch
• Autumnwatch
• BBC Wild Isles
• The One Show (environment features)

Think about how people protect wildlife while balancing the needs of farming, communities and the environment.

Visit 

If you have the opportunity, visit a:

• Local nature reserve
• Country park
• Woodland
• Wetland
• National Trust property

Notice the habitats, plants and wildlife around you and think about how these places are managed.

Keep curious

Follow organisations on social media such as:

• Wildlife trusts
• Forestry England
• RSPB
• Natural England
• National Trust

Keep up to date with environmental issues, conservation projects and wildlife success stories.

Environmental conservation FAQs

Conservation offers a wide range of rewarding careers. Our students progress into roles including:

• Countryside Ranger
• Conservation Officer
• Ecologist
• Nature Reserve Warden
• Environmental Consultant
• Habitat Surveyor
• Woodland Officer
• Sustainability Officer
• Wildlife Trust Officer
• Further and Higher Education
• Apprenticeships

Our aim is to help you develop the skills, confidence and experience to take the next step,
whatever that looks like for you.

Throughout your course you'll gain experience in:

• Habitat management
• Wildlife identification
• Woodland management
• Ecology and biodiversity surveys
• Practical conservation techniques
• Sustainability and climate change
• Practical countryside skills

By the end of your course, you should be able to:

• Identify a range of common plants, trees and wildlife
• Understand how habitats are managed and protected
• Carry out practical conservation tasks safely
• Show surveying and environmental monitoring skills
• Work confidently as part of a professional team
• Show valuable experience for employment
• Show that you're ready for employment, an apprenticeship or further study

We encourage you to take the first steps towards finding a work placement, as you know the areas you can travel to best. A simple email or phone call can often be the start of a valuable industry connection.

Once you begin your course, we'll support you through the placement process and complete the necessary health and safety checks with your chosen employer.

If you're unable to secure a placement yourself, don't worry. We'll work with you using our network of conservation organisations, charities and employers to help you find a suitable opportunity.

• Meet conservation professionals and employers
• Visit nature reserves, country parks and environmental organisations
• Take part in habitat management and biodiversity projects
• Develop practical fieldwork and surveying skills
• Complete industry work experience
• Develop employability and teamwork skills
• Build your CV before leaving college

Have questions?

Speak to our Admissions team via live chat from 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday or email admissions@capel.ac.uk.