Introduction to Countryside and Environment
Learn about the countryside ... in the countryside
It makes sense, really - if you are passionate about learning to manage and help shape the future of the countryside and the wider environment, you want to be right in the middle of it. Based in rural Shropshire, we are fortunate to be surrounded by countryside and environmental resources, ideal both for your studies and leisure time. There are the North Shropshire meres and bogs, the Long Mynd, Aqualate Mere, Offa's Dyke National Trail and the world famous geological site of Wenlock Edge. Not to mention the Stiperstones, Shropshire Hills, local nature reserves, the Wrekin, Wildlife Trust sites and a host of National Trust and English Heritage properties and parks. We are within easy reach of the Welsh Mountains, Cannock Chase, Staffordshire Moorlands and the Peak District. All in all, Harper Adams provides an ideal environment to study countryside and environment management.
Agriculture and the countryside
Agriculture is one of the key uses of land area in Britain and anyone aiming for a career in the countryside and environment industry should have a good understanding of the role of farming and the other principal land uses within the countryside. Harper Adams is world renowned for its long history of teaching agriculture, which is a great benefit to those studying the countryside.
Courses
I am an Ecological Consultant for RPS Group, a large international consultancy. I really enjoyed my ecology modules at Harper, which is what led me to this position. One of the best parts of the job is surveying protected species such as great crested newts, dormice, bats, otters and water voles. There are so many career opportunities for land-based graduates. Friends from my course are now working for: the Environment Agency, Soil Association, DEFRA, Natural England, Wildlife Trusts, the Energy Saving Trust and the Game Conservancy Trust. There are a lot of land-based jobs out there but they are in demand so you need a good degree under your belt and some work experience to be a cut above the other applicants!
Julia Clark
BSc (Hons) Countryside and Environment Management
Careers Guide
- Countryside and Environmental Management - BSc (Hons)
- Countryside Management - FdSc
- Countryside Management - BSc (Hons)
- Countryside Management - Extended Foundation Degree Programme
- Wildlife Conservation and Resource Management - BSc (Hons)
Top-up Courses (What's a top-up course?)
Careers
Working in the UK countryside and environmental management sector is more complex and demanding than ever before. The practical implications of climate change, species and habitats under threat and the challenge of managing competing interests in the countryside are common concerns to many. We live and work in a densely-settled environment with increasingly diverse expectations of the countryside and of land management. Food and fibre production, biodiversity, beautiful and distinctive landscapes, access and recreation, sustainability, the production of renewable energy, opportunities for learning and community development - these are all typical issues that Harper Adams graduates understand and are equipped to deal with as they develop their careers in these exciting and challenging times.
Recent graduates have gone on to work as forest rangers, National Trust wardens, wildlife preservation officers, geotechnician, ecologist, countryside advisors for local government, animal ecologist, arborist for Westonbirt Aroretum, agricultural management trainee, regional officer for British Association for Shooting and Conservation, wildlife reserve warden.
Staff
The department is staffed by experienced countryside and environment professionals specialising in topics including countryside management practice, recreation and land management, education and visitor management, forestry and woodland management, landscape development, rural land-use, ecology, environmental biology, conservation, habitat management, the rural economy and agricultural policy. They are well supported by guest lecturers from the industry.
