A new conservation course has been launched to help tackle a shortage of nature experts.
Suffolk New College’s rural campus in Otley has introduced a Level 2 Land and Wildlife programme focused on environmental studies, habitat restoration, and hands-on experience in the natural world.
Abbie Morris, head of land-based studies at Suffolk Rural at Otley, near Ipswich said they hoped to make a positive impact on the environment.
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"We want to make the course as practical as possible to help support people of all ages and their career goals.
"There is a massive gap in the green skills employability market as people’s interest in sustainability and the environment rises.
"Therefore, we created this course and we are planning on running a level 3 (A level equivalent) programme next year."
Students enrolled in the course will take part in real-world habitat restoration projects, species identification exercises, and environmental surveys.
They will also have the chance to go on eco-trips to Wales and work with local National Trust sites and golf courses.
The programme was developed in response to a 2023 statement from the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, which described nature experts as "like gold dust".
"People who sign up are coming in at the right time," said Abbie.
"We have tutors who have decades of experience, it’s really hands on, you will be working on the landscape in the open air and there will be lots of opportunities to flourish and expand your knowledge.
"We want to leave a real positive environmental mark on the college and our community and this course will help feed into this mission."
Applications are open and enrolment is ongoing.
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