Regenerative Horticulture

Overview of the course

Regenerative Horticulture is classed full-time, but the contact time required is 3 full days a week. There is an element of self-guided learning too.

Lessons will run on a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 09.00 – 15.00.

Course Length: 1-year from the beginning of September until the end of June.

Location: Talgarth, Powys (LD3)

This practical course encompasses organic, permaculture and no-dig principles, which work in harmony with nature for a sustainable future. The practical outdoor learning is backed up with classroom theory covering botany, soil science, food production, and ornamental horticulture.
This course is ideal for students who want to further their experience of working in horticulture to increase their ability and confidence. You will study in beautiful, real-life training settings, within the Welsh Black Mountains.

Modules covered include the following, each will have a particular focus on sustainability:

- Identify trees and shrubs
- Identify weeds
- Assess soil texture & condition
- Prepare ground or area for planting
- Apply fertilisers to plants
- Train and prune fruit trees
- Prune deciduous spring-flowering shrubs
- Plant out plants in rows by hand
- Propagate plants indoors from seed
- Sow seeds outdoors by hand
- Propagate plants by stem cuttings
- Propagate by grafting
- Identify damage caused by plant pests

These modules are only part of the picture. Our emphasis is on sustainability and ecology, so you will also learn about the soil biome – the crucial importance of soil ecology and the reasoning for the need to use no-dig techniques (biomimicry) to protect and enhance that environment. We delve into permaculture and keyline design, agroforestry, organic principles, and four-season vegetable production. We even skim over some of the basics of plant science (plant evolution, role of hormones, morphology, etc.). These aspects are not assessed but they are the foundations for good practice and also key in helping us solve some aspects of the climate problem by aiding the land to lock in more carbon.

You will produce a portfolio of evidence throughout the year. You will generally be assessed via observations of your practical work, and monitoring of your portfolio. Some assessments may be in the form of a brief oral test, and some of your worksheets may be used for assessment purposes.

Specification: https://www.cityandguilds.com/qualifications-and-apprenticeships/land-based-services/horticulture/7573-practical-horticulture-skills#tab=information&acc=level2

Opportunities

The BMC Level 2 in Regenerative Horticulture will give you the skills you need to pursue a sustainable and rewarding career.

After this course, students may be able to:

- Move into Level 3 Practical Horticulture
- Start a career as a self-employed or salaried gardener or landscaper
- Set up or work in a market garden or plant nursery & beyond
- Use this qualification towards entry to the BMC undergraduate course
- Move on to other higher education courses such as Garden Design, Plant Science, Ethno Botany, Agriscience or Arboriculture

https://careerswales.gov.wales/job-information/articles/land-and-environment