Courses

Working in the countryside is a worthwhile ambition if you’re looking for the chance to turn your passion for environmental issues and wildlife into a rewarding, lifelong career. Rapidly changing eco-systems and ongoing environmental challenges mean that more people are taking an interest in what we can do to safeguard our planet than ever before. Although outdoor work can be strenuous; ensuring that our habitats are conserved is a worthy mission that brings high levels of job satisfaction and a strong sense of personal achievement. If you’re looking to put your passion for the outdoors to good use, then our online course covering environmental management and sustainability could be for you!

Subject overview

Managing our land responsibility in the face of widespread industrial progress and ongoing environmental challenges is one of the biggest challenges we currently face. With an ever increasing demand for the use of rural space and the provision of renewable energy, it is crucial that our wildlife land areas are managed and protected successfully. As such the countryside and environment industry works to maintain land in a responsible way, and improve the habitats of our wildlife. Working in the industry, you would be involved with monitoring animal populations, managing land sustainably or researching and conducting ecological surveys.

Is this the career for you?

Working in the countryside is not for everyone – unsociable shifts and strenuous physical labour can sometimes make environmental management challenging – but if you’re looking for a career that combines a love for the outdoors with the prospect of developing specialist skills, then this could be the field of work you’re looking for!

Our environment is constantly changing; and faces a number of ongoing threats to its future conservation, such as: pollution, deforestation, overpopulation, and global warming. These threats transcend national barriers, affecting populations and wildlife both in the UK and overseas. As such, those looking to take on the responsibility of guarding our natural environments should be mature, responsible individuals with a wealth of background knowledge and awareness of environmental issues, and how they can be tackled through various management and conservation methods. A willingness to work flexibly and through all weather conditions is vital, as is being comfortable with working alone for long periods of time when necessary.

Why choose to study countryside and environment at The College of Animal Welfare?

  • Study our environmental courses online
    Our City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Countryside and Environment programme is an online course, delivered via our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE); therefore you will not be required to attend College, making this course accessible across the whole of the UK and overseas.
  • Gain real long term job prospects
    Environmental jobs are competitive; but achievement of this qualification should give you the skills, knowledge and relevant industry experience needed to help you stand out. Career prospects on completion of this course are widespread and full of potential; for instance you could progress on to a higher level qualification, or find employment in organisations such as wildlife parks, country parks and nature reserves across the world.
Careers

Following the successful completion of our Level 2 Diploma in Countryside and Environment qualification, you will have gained not only the underpinning knowledge needed to succeed in environmental management, but concrete practical experience in the industry – during which your newfound skills have been put into practice. This is an impressive combination that employers value highly. By gaining a qualification, you better prepare yourself for a variety of roles, including a countryside ranger, conservation officer or park ranger in wildlife parks, country parks, nature reserves or local authorities.

Environmental jobs can often be found on www.countryside-jobs.com and occasionally on our job board, if you’re looking for your next opportunity but are unsure of where to start.

On completion of the course you could also consider pursing further training, perhaps by undertaking a Level 3 qualification and later progressing to degree level. Opportunities would then extend to include work in teaching, consulting or even academic research.