Course Explorer

LEVEL 3 EXTENDED DIPLOMA IN FORESTRY AND ARBORICULTURE

A student using a chainsaw, one of the many skills learnt on a forestry & arboriculture course.

Resources

Extensive glasshouse facilities
Field nursery stock production
Computer controlled environmental and irrigation systems
Fruit and container production units
Plant propagation centre
Fully equipped landscape training centre
Demonstration garden for leading national retailers
Fully labelled plant collectiopn throughout the College grounds
10 acres of landscaped gardens and two National Collections within Broadview Gardens
Fully commercial garden centre

Typical Employers
Local authorities, nurseries, garden centres, publicly and privately owned gardens, commercial landscaping companies.

Industry Links

Students benefit from a wide range of links with commercial nurseries, research institutes, organic producers, public and privately owned gardens as well as exposure to the retail world through our onsite garden centre. The College is also a member of the Royal Horticultural Society; NCCPG and the Hardy Plant Society.

More about Horticulture, Landscape & Design Courses faculty

This course is designed for those students who wish to pursue a career in the forestry and arboriculture industries, and is ideal for people who may be considering a career change. You will benefit from industry experienced tutors and learn the environmental importance of trees, their growing process and how they function. Climbing trees safely in harness and carrying out preventative and remedial pruning as well as felling small trees and chainsaw use will also form part of this comprehensive course.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have 4 GCSEs at grades A* - C, 2 of which must be English, Maths or Science or have a full level 2 qualification at Merit in a relevant subject.

Additional Experience
Life experiences will be taken into account when considering applications.

Location
Hadlow

Course Duration
2 years, 4 days a week

Course Content

Year 1

Understand the principles of plant science
Understand the principles of soil science
Understand and carry out identification, planting and establishment of trees and shrubs for forestry and arboriculture
Understand and carry out tree and shrub planting, aftercare and protection for forestry and arboriculture
Understand and carry out woodland sampling
Understand the principles and identify the signs of pests and diseases of trees
Understand the legislation relating to trees in the UK
Understand the principles of silviculture
Understand the principles of tree felling and chainsaw use
Understanding principles of land-based machinery
Functional skills

Year 2

Undertake tree surveys and inspections and analyse the data
Understand the principles of forest recreation
Understand the principles of tree science
Maintain and understand equipment used for timber conversion and utilisation
Undertaking woodland habitat management
Business management in the land-based sector
Undertake arboricultural skills
Undertake an investigative project in the land-based sector
Undertake and review work related experience in the land-based sector
Functional skills

Throughout this course students may have the opportunity to take, at extra cost, additional training with external evaluation to assist them in gaining their CS30, CS31, CS38 and CS39 chainsaw certifications.

Assessment Method
Written assignments and practical assessments.

Progression Routes
Successful students can progress onto a suitable degree level course such as the FdSc Wildlife and Countryside Management or BSc (Hons) Landscape Management. Alternatively they can gain employment as a tree surgeon or work within forestry and woodland management, woodland recreation management and woodland conservation.

Specialist Equipment Needed
Full chainsaw safety protection to include chainsaw trousers, chainsaw boots, chainsaw gloves. (Hadlow College have arranged discount with a supplier). Water proof clothing and secateurs.