STUDENTS are gaining valuable real-world conservation experience through a partnership with M J Church that is helping create new habitats for bats across the College’s Lackham estate.
Level 3 Land and Wildlife (Countryside Management) students have been installing bat boxes as part of an environmental project linked to mitigation work associated with improvements to the A350.
M J Church approached the College after identifying a number of bat boxes that could not be installed at suitable locations along the road improvement route. Instead, the company worked with staff and students at Lackham to turn the project into a practical learning opportunity with long-term environmental benefits.
Students from the first and second year of the course worked together to identify suitable habitats across the estate, assess potential installation sites and install the bat boxes. They will also help monitor the boxes in the future, building their understanding of wildlife conservation, ecology and habitat management.
The project has given students the opportunity to apply classroom learning to a live conservation initiative while supporting biodiversity across the Lackham estate.
Wendy Green, Lecturer in Countryside Management, said: “Providing students with opportunities to work on real projects is an important part of helping them develop the skills and experience they need for future careers in the land-based sector.
“This project has allowed students to put their knowledge into practice by identifying suitable habitats, understanding the needs of bat species and carrying out the installation work themselves. It also gives them the opportunity to continue monitoring the boxes and see the long-term impact of their work.”
Marcus Gill, Estates Manager at Lackham campus, said: “The Lackham estate provides an ideal environment for projects like this, with a variety of habitats that support local wildlife.
“As well as creating new opportunities for bats, the project gives students valuable hands-on experience of the type of conservation and ecological work they may encounter in their future careers.”
Jayne Hobbs from M J Church said: “When we realised we didn’t have suitable locations for the bat boxes along the A350 route, I got in touch with the team at Lackham and they were very keen to get involved.
“It’s fantastic that the project can now provide both environmental benefits and practical learning opportunities for students. We’re looking forward to working with the College and following the progress of the project as the boxes are monitored over the coming months and years.”
The bat boxes were installed by students during the spring term and will form part of ongoing monitoring activities at Lackham, helping students develop practical conservation skills while supporting wildlife across the estate.
Learn beyond the classroom
From conservation projects and habitat management to wildlife monitoring and estate work, our students gain practical experience that prepares them for exciting careers in the land-based sector. Based at our unique Lackham estate, our Countryside Management courses are available as full-time programmes, apprenticeships and university-level qualifications, offering opportunities for learners at every stage of their journey.
