Conservation Courses

Writtle College offers a range of exciting courses addressing Wildlife, Conservation and Environment topics. In recent years there has been a growing awareness of the potential environmental issues associated with land use. The conservation of rural landscapes and ecosystems are now an integral part of rural management. Increasingly, the importance of conservation and the environment are recognized by land-based employers who seek individuals with relevant knowledge and skills.

Our courses are delivered by highly-qualified and committed staff who have close association with a range of countryside bodies as well as relevant employers. As part of our excellent learning facilities the College also enjoys a 220 hectare estate which is frequently used for teaching and learning. Encompassing a variety of habitats and rare species, much of the estate is managed for conservation and provides an unparalleled resource for student projects.

Student Profile - Amanda Turburville

Having taken a career break from the Civil Service after 15 years to go travelling for six months, I realised that I needed a change of career. I have always had a love of nature and the outdoors and decided that a degree in conservation would help me to escape the desk job!

Writtle College provided me with the opportunity to study full-time as a mature student, offering a course content that would allow me to gain a rounded knowledge of conservation.

Since graduating in 2007 with a BSc (Hons) Conservation and Environment degree I have volunteered with Essex Wildlife Trust, the RSPB and for Wwoof in New Zealand, all to gain practical experience to accompany my degree. Last year I was appointed the Landscape and Community Assistant for Braintree District Council and I now organise and lead volunteer work parties in practical habitat management tasks across the Braintree district, improving public open green space for both people and wildlife.

The degree course gave me the theoretical knowledge that I am now able to apply in the workplace. I have found that the most useful modules were the practical ones such as ecological surveying techniques, and habitat management evaluation as I regularly survey and assess different habitats and write management plans.

Although it was hard work I thoroughly enjoyed my three years at Writtle and as well as achieving my dream of working in conservation I have also gained life long friends.

Student Profile - Sarah Barfoot

Prior to joining Writtle, I had already enjoyed a number of years as an education volunteer, teaching children about the natural world. I had realised however, that I would need a degree if I was to find full-time employment in the sector. I wanted to carry on volunteering so I was delighted that Writtle gave me the option of studying part-time and I completed my honours degree in Conservation and Environment in 2006. I particularly enjoyed modules which examined habitat management and biological surveying and, having completed my degree, I stayed on at Writtle to study for a Post Graduate Certificate in Conservation Management.

I found employment with the National Trust shortly after finishing the certificate and now work as a Community Learning Officer covering 17 properties across Essex and Suffolk.

Studying at Writtle gave me a terrific start to my career and the friends I made whilst studying are now great contacts in my working life!

Newsletter

To read more information about the Conservation discipline, please see our newsletters:

• July 2009