Student standing in tall grass looking at paper

Land & Wildlife Management

If you’re passionate about wildlife, conservation and the natural environment, help shape the future of our countryside by studying Land & Wildlife Management at Houghall College, Durham City.

Choose your course

Whether you’re a school leaver or an adult looking to retrain, learn how to protect habitats and preserve landscapes across our 476-acre estate.

Land & Wildlife Management overview

As awareness of environmental issues grows, so does the demand for skilled people who can survey habitats, support biodiversity and manage landscapes responsibly. Government and local authorities are investing more in environmental projects, creating many new opportunities.

View all Land & Wildlife Management courses by visiting the course finder.

What you'll study

Courses provide hands-on practical skills alongside a solid understanding of habitat management and conservation. Depending on your level, you’ll cover:

habitat surveying and species identification
conservation, restoration and ecological management
estate skills and land-based machinery
woodland, grassland and wetland management
biodiversity protection and environmental monitoring
countryside access, legislation and public engagement
gamekeeping practices and wildlife management
health, safety and outdoor working skills

You’ll apply your learning on real projects. Past students have planted heathland for rare butterflies, let light into ponds for great crested newts, planted trees in ancient woodland and removed invasive species such as Japanese knotweed.

Our land and wildlife facilities

Houghall College's estate puts woodland, wetlands, meadows, rivers, ponds and conservation areas right on your doorstep. You’ll have access to:

476 acres of diverse habitats, including wetlands, woodland, hedgerows, meadows, ponds and the River Wear
specialist equipment for habitat management and estate work
land-based machinery and professional surveying tools
dedicated teaching spaces linked directly to outdoor learning

These natural resources give you experience that closely reflects real conservation and land management work.

Learning beyond the classroom

As part of your course, you’ll also get involved in:

practical conservation and habitat management projects
work experience with countryside, wildlife and environmental organisations
guest speakers and workshops with industry experts
trips to conservation sites, heathland projects and coastal habitats
enrichment activities linked to ecology, sustainability and outdoor skills
one-to-one tutor support and careers guidance

Where it could lead

You’ll build confidence, develop practical skills and explore a range of careers – from countryside and estate management to gamekeeping and work with environmental organisations.

Fees & funding

Course fees vary by level. Full-time courses are free for 16 to 18-year-olds. Adult students may also be eligible for funding depending on circumstances.

To find out more, check our Course Fees & Funding page.