Countryside Stewardship- Conservation Management (Planting and Woodland Management)
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course the student will: -
- Know that habitat management is essential to maintain a variety of plants and animals.
- Be able to identify wildlife associated with a specific habitat.
- Know planting techniques that will maintain and enhance a specific habitat e.g. woodland, heathland, wetland, coastal, urban green space or farmland, for both wildlife and landscape.
- Know woodland management techniques that will maintain and enhance a woodland habitat for both wildlife and landscape.
- Be able to identify potential threats to the habitat. (physical, economic and human intervention).
Assessment Criteria
The learner has achieved this outcome because s/he can:
- Identify the differences between well and poorly managed habitats e.g. manicured lawn/ wildflower meadow, dirty pond/clean pond, derelict woodland/coppiced woodland.
- Explain why it is necessary to manage habitats to encourage a variety of plants and animals, and that without management they may be lost from sites.
- From 2 specific habitats using a simple key identify 3 animals from each.
- From 2 specific habitats using common names identify using a simple key 3 plant species from each.
- Demonstrate and explain that in order for a plant to grow to maturity it must:
be the appropriate species for the site
be planted at the right time of year
be protected from damage by browsing animals (deer and rabbits), weeds and weather
be planted in the correct sequence.
- Explain how planting can improve a specific habitat for wildlife and the landscape.
- Describe what aftercare is needed e.g. pruning, weeding, watering.
- Describe how to care for a plant through providing the appropriate form of protection, e.g. guards, mats, hand weeding and fencing.
- Demonstrate and explain two techniques of woodland management e.g. coppicing, brashing, snedding, scalloping or glade creation.
- Explain how the chosen techniques will improve the habitat for wildlife and the landscape.
- Describe 3 potential threats to a wildlife habitat known to the student e.g. local nature reserve, country parks, village pond.
