CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT SYLLABUS

Transcription

1 CONTENTS Page CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT SYLLABUS Introduction 3 Modules 1. Soil Management 6 2. Water Protection 8 3. Farmland Wildlife and Habitats Conservation & Improvement Farming and the Wider Environment 12 The BASIS Diploma in Agronomy 14 BASIS Approved Trainers 17 BASIS Registration Ltd wish to acknowledge the assistance of The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust in the compilation of this syllabus. 1

2 2 BASIS Registration Ltd BASIS is a trade mark of BASIS Registration Limited. All rights reserved. Registered in England No.: Charity No.: VAT Reg No.: 242/5497/56

3 CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT SYLLABUS AND INFORMATION THE CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT COURSE BASIS Registration Ltd has consulted with experts in the industry (whose assistance is appreciated) to introduce the Conservation Management qualification. WHAT IS IT AND WHO IS IT FOR? This short course is designed for those professionals advising on cross-compliance, environmental management, conservation or environmental stewardship agreements and the choice and implementation of land management options. To achieve effective farmland conservation management, careful attention needs to be paid to a wide range of issues. THE COURSE ITSELF AND THE QUALIFICATION The course is delivered in four core modules which cover the key topics and give a broad professional understanding of a wide range of issues. The modules are: Module 1 Soil Management Module 2 Water Management Module 3 Farmland Wildlife and Habitats Conservation and Improvement Module 4 Farming and the Wider Farming and the Wider Environment There are no pre-course entry requirements, although the greatest benefit will be gained by those who understand farming and who have some experience of how farms are managed. Ideally a year working on a farm or with farmers, possibly also with an agriculturally based qualification, would be the minimum pre-course background for attendees. It is possible to sit the Conservation Management examination without any formal training. However, this is not advised because of the wide scope of the course. Successful candidates will achieve the BASIS Certificate in Conservation Management. The course is usually delivered over three days with the examination delivered on the afternoon of the third day. This course and the qualification achieved is ideally suited to those managing farms, both directly and indirectly as land agents, rural consultants, agronomists and conservationists. 3

4 Whistle Blowing Policy BASIS Registration Ltd is committed to the highest standards of openness and accountability. Therefore, we expect employees, candidates and others who work with BASIS who have serious concerns about any aspect of our work voice those concerns. To this effect BASIS has a whistle Blowing Policy. This procedure is designed to allow concerns of a public interest kind within BASIS to be raised, investigated and where appropriate, acted upon. Complaints may be any member of staff, candidates or those contracted to provide services to BASIS. To view the full Whistle Blowing Policy go to: Dyslexia Policy BASIS Registration Ltd allows students diagnosed with Dyslexia to request special examination arrangements. Proof of dyslexia is required a minimum of 4 weeks before the exam date so that BASIS can provide special examination arrangements if required. For a full copy of our Dyslexia Policy please go to: 4

5 EXAMINATION PROCEDURE The Conservation Management examination can be held at any suitable location, with prior agreement, after discussion with BASIS, and making an advanced booking. An independent examiner appointed by BASIS will adjudicate at the venue. It is preferable that there are no more than a maximum of 15 candidates for any Conservation Management examination. Smaller numbers can be examined but BASIS will charge for at least the minimum number for any particular examination (minimum 12 candidates per exam). Examinations must be booked in advance, preferably with at least 6 weeks notice, to ensure availability of an independent BASIS examiner. Cancellation of a booked examination within one to four working weeks will incur a 50 fee. This will be increased to 250 if an exam is cancelled in the week before an exam. Exams cancelled within 24 hours of the exam time will be subject to the full exam fee for all candidates. The Conservation Management examination will be 2 ½ hours duration and usually held during the afternoon of the third day. Examination papers will be marked as soon as possible and results made available usually within 4 weeks of the exam. The Conservation Management examination format will be: 30 multiple choice questions 2 compulsory and 4 from 8 short answer questions (answers to be between 100 and 200 words each answers can be as bullet points or sentences, whichever candidates prefer) It is recognised that the course delivered over three consecutive days will not suit all potential participants and it is also recognised that whilst the overriding principal of the course is to demonstrate the linkages between topics some professionals may want to focus on one specific module. The modular format of the course allows for each subject to be delivered separately if required. Due to the nature of each module this approach would be delivered over four separate days. At the end of each day a short exam would be undertaken; this will give the days a focus but it will not be part of the overall accreditation process. If a candidate wishes to undertake the full course through modular delivery it is recommended that they undertake the modules sequentially as laid out in the syllabus. The full exam would take place on the fourth day after Module 4 is completed. MARKS ALLOCATION 100 possible marks based on the following allocation: 1 1 /3 mark for each correct multi-choice question. 40 marks 10 marks for a correct answer to each of the two compulsory short answer question. 10 marks each for correct answers to the four (out of 8) short answer questions required to complete the exam paper Max. possible total 20 marks 40 marks 100 marks 5

6 OBJECTIVE SYLLABUS Candidates wishing to attain the Conservation Management Certificate should be aware of, and conversant with, the following four modules and the detail of their content. MODULE 1 - SOIL MANAGEMENT 1.1 Competence Candidates will know the principles governing the maintenance of soil organic matter content, the maintenance of good soil structure and methods for the prevention of erosion by water and wind. They must have knowledge of the legal and good agricultural practice requirements for the protection of soil, the maintenance of soil health and agricultural productivity. 1.2 Performance Criteria Candidates must be able to: Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principle soil types and their key features. Demonstrate a basis understanding of Agricultural Land Classification. Recognise features of soil structure (compaction, panning, capping, slumping etc.) Recognise the features of soil erosion (sheet erosion, soil wash, rills, gullies, deposition) Demonstrate an understanding of the requirements for soil management as set in Protecting, our Water, Soil and Air A Code of Good Agricultural Practice for farmer s growers and land managers. Understanding the soil related aspects of cross compliance within the framework of the Basic Payment Scheme. Understand the duty of care for soil management under cross compliance; this will include an assessment of erosion and run off risk. Demonstrate a good knowledge of methods used to reduce the risk of soil erosion by water and wind, with specific reference to cultivation techniques and countryside stewardship options. Understand the principles, and effects on the soil, of different cultivation strategies ranging from no till through to full inversion ploughing. Demonstrate awareness of good livestock husbandry practice and its importance with regard to soil management in grass based farming systems. 1.3 Essential Knowledge and Skills Candidates must have the ability to: Explain how soil type and soil structure affects productivity, erosion and run off risk. Discuss the techniques which can be employed to reduce soil erosion and the importance of identifying crops, rotations, soil types and topography which pose the greatest erosion risk. Understand the reasoning behind soil related cross compliance requirements appropriate to the UK region they work in. 6

7 Understand the good agricultural and environmental condition (GAEC) standard for soil management with particular reference to the Duty of Care and be aware of the EU Thematic strategy for soils. Understand how to prepare a Soil Management Plan Understand the impact soil material has on the aquatic environment. Understand how to increase soil organic matter levels to improve soil structural stability using cover cropping and organic additions. Explain the key soil cultivation techniques used in crop production and the impact of each on the soil. Understand the importance of crop rotations and crop selection linked to erosion and run off risk. Understand how to manage livestock grazing, feeding, density, timing and location to reduce soil loss, particularly to water. Identify the methods which can be used to protect river banks from erosion and understand why this is important. Understand the pathways by which soil can reach watercourses (e.g. roads, ditches, etc.) and demonstrate knowledge of what mitigation measures can be put in place. Show understanding of the key results from the following research projects: SOWAP (Soil & Water Protection) project. Mitigation for Phosphorous and Sediment (MOPS) PARIS Project Reducing risks associated with autumn wheeling of combinable crops. Explain how Campaign for the Farmed Environment (CFE), Voluntary Initiative on Pesticides (VI), Professional Nutrient Management Group (Tried & Tested) and the Greenhouse Gas Action Plan (GHGAP) reference good soil management. 7

8 MODULE 2 WATER PROTECTION 2.1 Competence Candidates must understand the relationships between land management and water quality to enable best use of land and the minimisation of both point source and diffuse pollution. They must have knowledge of the legal and good agricultural practice requirements for the protection of water and the maintenance of water quality. 2.2 Performance Criteria Candidates must be able to: Understand the two classifications of water bodies Ground Water and Surface Water and recognise the relevant pathways by which agriculture and other activity on farmland (Fracking) could cause pollution of each classification. Recognise the basic relationships between soil & water and describe the management practices to conserve both in good condition. Demonstrate an understanding of the requirements for water management as set in Protecting our Water, Soil and Air A Good Agricultural Practice for farmers growers and land managers. Understand the controls for diffuse and point source pollution of water whilst recognising the principals associated with the Source / Pathway / Receptor approach; Understand the basic principles of field drainage and an outline of the methods of drainage used. Understand the implications of Groundwater, Nitrates, Drinking Water and Water Framework Directives, the quality standards set and the impacts these have on the current and potential legislation and advisory requirements Demonstrate a clear understanding of water management issues as they affect agriculture. Understand the processes involved in sedimentation and eutrophication and the principal sources of agricultural and domestic phosphate in rural water courses. Understand the principles and delivery mechanisms of the key aspects of water protection within the industry led initiatives including the Voluntary Initiative on Pesticides (VI), Professional Nutrient Management Group (Tried & Tested), the Campaign for the Farmed Environment (CFE) and the greenhouse Gas Action Plan (GHGAP) Understand the initial results of the water friendly farming project, safe guard zones and what s in my backyard. 2.3 Essential Knowledge and Skills Candidates must have the ability to: Understand the need for good water quality. Understand how to reduce diffuse pollution of water by: Cultural methods and rotations appropriate to varied soil types and cropping systems. 8

9 Management and orientation of tramlines, field drainage systems, river, stream, and ditch bank protection, tracks, roadways and hard surface areas. Effective use of land management techniques such as buffer strips, beetles banks, sediment traps / ponds and in-field grass areas and the utilisation of Environmental Stewardship options where appropriate. Understand the basic principles of water management of farm with specific reference to: Abstraction Licencing and best practice for water abstraction. Water storage on farm. Best practice irrigation principles. Management of rain water and grey water as a resource. Understand the basic principles of nutrient and manure management with specific reference to: The NVZ Regulations. The importance of knowing soil PH and nutrient values and how this can affect input strategies. Nutrient & Manure Management Plans. The utilisation of bio-solids, sewage sludge (including the cross compliance regulations) green waste and other organic amendments. Understand the basic principles of pesticide management including: The approvals process. Emergency authorisations and off-label approvals. Advice / recommendations. Correct filling and application. Sprayer cleaning, wash down, disposal and biobeds. Risks of pollution. Benefits of use. Product Stewardship e.g. Metaldehyde Stewardship and neonicotinoids. Understand how livestock management can impact on water quality through: Medication and treatments such as sheep dip and worming agents. Storing, handling and spreading wastes. Animal feed. Poaching and soil compaction. Access to watercourses. Understand the implication and impacts of existing regulation and delivery initiatives, this will include: Cross-Compliance. Water Protection Zones. Catchment Sensitive Farming. CFE, Tried & Tested, VI and GHGAP 9

10 MODULE 3 FARMLAND WILDLIFE AND HABITATS CONSERVATION AND IMPROVEMENT 3.1 Competence Candidates must be able to demonstrate an understanding of the requirements to and the reason maintaining, and where practical increasing, farmland wildlife populations. They must also be able to demonstrate an understanding of the key farmland habitats and the measures required to protect, link and enhance these areas. 3.2 Performance Criteria Candidates must be able to: Understand the principles behind the development of a planned approach to species and habitat conservation. This will include the development of policy from the Rio Convention in 1992 through to the delivery of the Natural Environment White Paper objectives. Explain the key targets outlined in England s Biodiversity 2020 strategy and recognise the key delivery mechanisms in place to help achieve these targets. Recognise the key wildlife habitats present on farms, the species they support and the importance of both habitats and species to Biodiversity 2020 Targets. Recognise which key species have declined and those which have increased in agricultural landscapes; describe the likely causes which will include quality of habitat, changes in agricultural practice, changes in rural management, climate change and external influences such as loss of overwhelming habitats overseas. Recognise the key non-native invasive species, what issues they cause and the principle means of controlling them. Recognise the importance of species and habitat conservation to wider society. Specify what conservation measures can be introduced to help farmland wildlife and to protect and enhance habitats. Explain how agri-environment schemes work and how funding can be accessed by farm businesses. Describe and demonstrate knowledge of the conclusions from important farmland and cluster farms wildlife research projects. These will include SAFFIE, 3DFarming, Farm4Bio, the Allerton Project, Grange (Hope) Farm, the Eye Brook Catchment Project and the Integrated Local Delivery Approach. Show an understanding of Cross Compliance Guidelines and Good Agricultural, Environmental Conditions and Greening as they relate to maintenance of habitats and landscape features. Understand the principles and delivery mechanisms of the key aspects of wildlife and biodiversity management within the industry led initiatives including the Voluntary Initiative on Pesticides (VI), Professional Nutrient Management Group (Tried & Tested), the Campaign for the Farmed Environment (CFE), Greenhouse Gas Action Plan (GHGAP) Have awareness of changes to wildlife legislation affecting wildlife law. 10

11 3.3 Essential Knowledge and Skills Candidates must be able to demonstrate their knowledge in the three key areas outlined below Wildlife and Biodiversity Policy. Candidates must have the ability to: Describe the key wildlife and biodiversity policy issues and demonstrate how and why they are relevant to agriculture. Understand how the key targets and milestones in place to implement wildlife and biodiversity policy, with particular reference to Biodiversity Impacts on the requirements on agriculture to help deliver on a national, regional and local level Species and Habitat Management. Candidates must have the ability to: Understand the basic best practice management requirements to enable key farmland habitats to achieve a good ecological status and maximise their support of healthy populations of associated species. Understand the breeding, feeding and habitat requirements of a range of key farmland species and the type of management required to help support healthy populations of these species. Identify a range of key non-native invasive species and demonstrate an understanding of the threats they pose and main management control methods for each. Explain the importance of species and habitat conservation for wider society and demonstrate why this is important to agriculture On-Farm Conservation Management Candidates must have the ability to: Understand the importance of identifying the key habitats and species present on a farm and in the immediate locality. Identify the key management techniques and options that could be implemented to protect those habitats and species. Recognise how the key habitats could be linked and the benefits these linkage can bring to both increasing the range and population of associated species. Recognise opportunities to enhance and expand important habitats within the constraints of a farm business. Understand how the full range of requirements for identified species can be put in place by providing the correct variety of land management and habitat options. Recognise how the required management can be provided through the utilisation of Agrienvironment Schemes and other incentives and how this can be fit within the constraints of farm business. Understand how Cross Compliance, Good Agricultural, Greening and Environmental Conditions underpin good environmental management. Appreciate how on-farm solutions and the implementation of on farm conservation management can impact on a landscape scale. 11

12 MODULE 4 FARMING AND THE WIDER ENVIRONMENT 4.1 Competence Candidates must be able to demonstrate a broad understanding of a range integrated farm management approaches, the key requirements of certified farming standards and the range of opportunities the wider rural environmental offers both farm businesses and general public. 4.2 Performance Criteria Candidates must be able to: Understand the principles behind the development of the main integrated approaches to farm management. Demonstrate competent understanding of environmental legislation affecting agriculture. Appreciate energy usage and efficiency of farm businesses and on farm renewable energy opportunities. Demonstrate an understanding of the environmental requirements of the food supply chain in the U.K. Recognise the importance of the provision of public goods, the importance of education, and raising the general public s awareness of agriculture s positive contribution to the environment. Recognise the opportunities and the implications that leisure and sporting activities can have on farm businesses and the environment. 4.3 Essential Knowledge and Skills Candidates must be able to demonstrate their knowledge in the three key areas outlined below Farming Systems and Legislation. Candidates must have the ability to: Discuss the development and implementation of integrated approaches to farming, which will include Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Integrated Crop Management (ICM), Integrated Farm Management (IFM) and Conservation Agriculture. Understand the basic principles of organic farming systems, the productivity and environmental impacts of such systems. Compare the relative merits of organic and conventional farming practices with understanding of the economic and environmental aspects of each. Understand the broad requirements of Cross Compliance and the Basic Payment Scheme. (Note: the details of NVZ regulations are covered in Module 2.) Understand the requirements of Waste Regulations and their impact on farm management; this will include: Farm exemptions what is required and how to apply Moving and disposing of agricultural waste Manure & Slurry Hazardous waste how this applies to farms Spreading waste on land what you and can t do 12

13 Discuss the environmental benefits of minimising farm waste and maximising recycling opportunities. Identify and discuss the efficient use of energy: Discuss maximising on farm energy efficiency Discuss on farm renewable energy opportunities, including an awareness of funding opportunities. Discuss biofuels and future opportunities Farming Standards, Provision of Public Goods and Education. Candidates must have the ability to: Understand key principles and requirement behind Farm Assurance Schemes and protocols in the U.K and recognise the major schemes (Red Tractor, Tesco Nurture, LEAF Marque, Conservation Grade) and their main attributes. Understand the certification process for organic farming systems and the importance of this. Discuss the provision of public goods by agricultural and recognise the key elements of environmental delivery by agriculture. Recognise the importance of encouraging good environmental management in all agricultural operations. Recognise the important part played in promoting public awareness and education of agriculture s contribution to our environment by organisations such as The Country Trust, Farming & Countryside Education (FACE) and Linking Education and Farming (LEAF) and campaigns such as Open Farm Sunday. Be aware of the development Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) Leisure and Sporting Activities Candidates must have the ability to: Appreciate the principal legal requirements of statutory access through Public Rights of Way and the CRoW Act. Appreciate the opportunities and possible difficulties associated with permissive access. Understand the opportunity for sporting and / or leisure activity on the farm including: Awareness of the principals of best practice shoot management, including awareness of different ammunition sources. An appreciation of the principals of best practice in the control of vermin and the work of the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU) Understanding the code of practice relating to Shooting and Game Management An awareness of best practice predator control and snaring An awareness of best practice management of equine grazed pasture 13

14 THE BASIS DIPLOMA IN AGRONOMY The breadth and scope of knowledge needed for crop protection sales and advice grows every year. New products, new techniques and the way that crop protection fits with other farm and crop management activities all add to the skills needed by those involved in sales and advice for Crop Protection. To cover the range of factors involved, the new BASIS Diploma in Agronomy, as set out below, gives a comprehensive training and qualification framework for those involved in on-farm advice and sales. THE BASIS DIPLOMA IN AGRONOMY NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS / MODULES = BETA / CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANT PROTECTION AWARD ADVANCED or NUTRIENT MODULE MANAGEMENT PLANNING SOIL & WATER ENTRY REQUIREMENTS = BASIS CERTIFICATE IN CROP PROTECTION & FACTS TOPICS COVERED ADVANCED MODULE / NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PLANNING BETA / CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANT PROTECTION AWARD (PPA) SOIL & WATER MANAGEMENT Weed, Pest & Disease Control, Crop Protection Programmes, Marketing, Food Industries, Crop Assurance, Nutrient Management Environment, Biodiversity, EIS s, IFM, Climate Change Systems & Society, Formulation, Mode of Action, Application, Health & Safety Cultivation Types and Properties, Cropping Systems, Water Quality, Drainage, Pollution / Waste, Plant Nutrition For the PPA and the Advanced Crop Module the prior achievement (by examination, exemption or validated certificate) of the BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection is an entry requirement. For the Advanced Nutrient Management Planning and Waste to Land course the prior achievement of the FACTS qualification is required. The FACTS qualification is a requirement for successful completion of the BASIS Diploma and strongly recommended for those wishing to train for the Soil & Water Management certificate. It is strongly recommended that candidates should have had at least two years experience of on-farm 14

15 practical agronomy before attempting any of the modules which contribute towards the BASIS Diploma in Agronomy, but in particular before taking the Plant Protection Award. BASIS CPD points are available for training and certification in all modules of the BASIS Diploma in Agronomy. The accreditation process for our qualifications has enabled BASIS to demonstrate a high standard of training and certification for our BASIS courses. The BASIS Diploma comprises a number of modules and 6 are required to complete the qualification. A further consequence of accreditation by Harper Adams University and the Higher Education qualifications framework has been the development by Harper Adams University of a Graduate Diploma in Agronomy with Environmental Management. This is a 120 credit graduate level qualification. BASIS courses have all been awarded a number of credits based on the time spent on the course (Targeted Learning Hours). This is a recognised formula including face to face tuition time, research, reading and experiential learning. The credits are awarded at a level that reflects the intensity / difficulty of the learning materials, for example A-level equivalent or 1st, 2nd or final year honours degree etc. The qualifying BASIS courses with credits and levels awarded are shown below: FACTS Credit Value 15 Level 5 - Intermediate SOIL & WATER MANAGEMENT Credit Value 15 Level 6 - Honours BASIS CROP PROTECTION Credit Value 30 Level 6 - Honours BASIS PLANT PROTECTION AWARD Credit Value 15 Level 6 - Honours BASIS ADVANCED MODULES / NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PLANNING Credit Value 15 Level 6 - Honours BETA / CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT Credit Value 15 Level 5 - Intermediate 15

16 Intermediate = 2 nd or 3 rd year of university degree qualification. Honours level final year university degree. Eg. FACTS 15 credits = 150 hours notional teaching time The six modules required for the BASIS Diploma add up to 105 credits. In order to qualify for the Harper Adams University Graduate Diploma in Agronomy with Environmental Management, candidates will need to accumulate 120 credits (ie One extra 15 credit module in addition to the BASIS Diploma). This can be any of the Advanced Modules, including Nutrient Management Planning and Waste to Land. Further details of the BASIS Diploma in Agronomy can be obtained from the BASIS office or by to training.courses@basis-reg.co.uk. 16

17 BASIS APPROVED TRAINERS The following Colleges, Trainers and Training Providers are successfully running Conservation Management examinations and have been accepted as BASIS Approved Trainers for Conservation Management. Alasdair Lowe Limited Grange Barn Birds Lane Epwell BANBURY Oxfordshire OX15 6LQ Please see Training Providers below for information on course and exam dates. Chelmsford & West Essex Training Group Contact: Debbie Wedge 2 Salisbury Cottages Tel: Maldon Road debbiewedge@aol.com Hatfield Peverel Trainer: Alasdair Lowe CHELMSFORD Web: Essex CM3 2HS Dorset Training Ltd Contact: Anna Chambers Unit 3 Tel: / Deverel Farm enquiries@dorsettraining.org.uk Milborne St Andrew Trainer: Alasdair Lowe BLANDFORD FORUM Web: Dorset DT11 0HX Duchy College Contact: Sue Vanstone Stoke Climsland Tel: CALLINGTON rbs@duchy.ac.uk Cornwall Trainer: Alastair Leake PL17 8PB Web: Hampshire Training Providers Ltd Contact: Catherine Mercer c/o Hampshire Grain Ltd Tel: Overton Road catherine@hampshire-training.co.uk Micheldever Station Trainer: Alasdair Lowe WINCHESTER Web: Hampshire SO21 3AN Harper Adams University Contact: Lisa Plant Edgmond Tel: NEWPORT lchapman@harper-adams.ac.uk Shropshire Trainer: Alasdair Lowe TF10 8NB Web: 17

18 Landbased Training Contact: Linda Bower Garth Cottage Tel: Wintringham MALTON Trainer: Alasdair Lowe North Yorkshire Web: YO17 8HX The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust: Contact: Amelia Woolford The Allerton Project Tel: Loddington House Loddington Trainer: Jim Egan / Alasdair Leake LEICESTER Web: LE7 9XE The Training Association (East) Contact: Jayne Parsey High Cottage Tel: St Andrews Lane jayne@traineast.co.uk Congham Trainer: Alasdair Lowe KINGS LYNN Web: Norfolk, PE32 1DS The following Colleges, Trainers and Training Organisations have expressed an interest in running some, or all, of the training modules and / or the Conservation Management examination. 17 October