Minister launches unique qualification in Conservation Management
Farmland conservation has taken a leap forward through the setting up of a unique training course, which will lead to a professional qualification in Conservation Management. In recognition of the importance placed on this ground-breaking new initiative, developed by The Game Conservancy Trust and BASIS (Registration) Ltd, the qualification was launched by Barry Gardiner MP, Minister for Biodiversity, Landscape and Rural Affairs on 7 February in London.
Dr Alastair Leake, Project Manager of The Game Conservancy Trust's Allerton Project has been the driving force behind this new qualification and said, "The magnitude of change now facing British farmers is huge, particularly the move away from production subsidy payments to rewarding farmers for conserving and enhancing our wildlife and landscape. Farmers are expected to deliver environmental goods, but without the right advice it will be very difficult for them to earn their green points.
"This new qualification therefore aims to remove the potential pitfalls of agricultural conservation. It is aimed at farming and rural advisors or consultants and will give them the expertise needed to deal with the complexities of the Single Payment Scheme. In future, farmers can be confident that the advice they are receiving is targeted, effective and most importantly that it will prevent costly mistakes being made."
Tuition to achieve the Conservation Management certificate is two and half days with a two-hour examination by BASIS in the afternoon of the third day. The certificate covers four separate modules including:
- Soil and Air Protection
- Protection of Surface and Ground Water
- Biodiversity - Conservation and Improvement
- Care of the Environment
Rob Simpson, Managing Director of BASIS (Registration) Ltd, has worked closely with The Game Conservancy Trust in devising the course syllabus and said, "Conservation and care of the environment have become an integral part of farmland management. But getting it right first time to ensure that farm productivity as well as wildlife benefit can be an interesting challenge. This new initiative will give land agents, rural consultants and conservationists a professional qualification in farmland Conservation Management, which will equip them with the expertise and confidence needed to pull together all the various elements of environmental stewardship schemes to offer first-class conservation advice for the benefit of farmers, wildlife and the countryside."
The course is being held at The Game Conservancy Trust's Allerton Project at Loddington in Leicestershire or at any suitable location nationwide for a group of 10 or more. Candidates do not have to be BETA qualified to participate on the course. The fee per delegate is £400 plus £125 for the 2-hour BASIS examination. Accommodation can be arranged locally. The first two course dates are: Monday 30 April to Wednesday 2 May and Monday 4 June to Wednesday 6 June 2007.
To book a place or for further information, please contact: Natalie Augusztinyi, The Game Conservancy Trust's Allerton Project, Telephone: 01572 717220 or email: allerton@gct.org.uk
