Part-Time NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN FORESTRY AND ARBORICULTURE (Level 3)

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

4 GCSEs at Grade C or above, with preferably 1 in Mathematics, English or Science.
National Award in relevant subjects.
First Diplioma at Merit or above.

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

Location
Hadlow

Course Duration
2 years, 4 days a week

Course Content

Year 1

• Principles of Plant and Soil Science
• Tree Establishment and Protection
• Business management for land-based industries
• Tree and shrub pruning and maintenance
• Land-based machinery operations
• Silvicultural techniques and practices
• Arboriculture tree identification, planting and care
• Tree pests and diseases
• Investigative project in forestry and arboriculture

Year 2:

• Principles of land-based machinery
• Forest and woodland management
• Forest recreation
• Tree biology
• Tree felling and chainsaw use
• Tree surveys and reports
• Tree and shrub pruning and maintenance
• Arboriculture tree climbing, pruning and dismantling
• Land-based contract management
• Work related experience in forestry and arboriculture sectors
• Key skills

Throughout this course students will learn some of the skills needed to enable them to gain 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 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.