Protecting & Enhancing the Natural Environment – Training Courses
Groundwork Greater Manchester offer a number of different training courses related to green jobs and the natural environment. Our courses are designed to help practitioners refresh or enhance their skills, as well as introducing green topics to apprentices or those new to the green sector.
Courses can be undertaken as a single session or as part of a progression pathway, as highlighted in this graphic:
Our qualified team deliver training courses at our offices in Trafford, Rochdale or Ashton, or on your site.
Unless offered as part of an employment programme, there is a charge to join these courses. If you wish to develop one of these courses bespoke for your organisation, this is possible.
For more information about any of the courses below, or to express an interest in joining an open course, please complete the from below and someone will be in touch shortly.
Groundwork GM – Green Skills Training
Introductory level courses:
Perfect for people starting their career in the Natural Environment sector, Land apprentices and Community Groups.
Introduction to tree planting
Overview: During this full day course delegates will learn the key considerations when choosing and planting trees, as well as picking up tips and techniques from our experts which will lead to lasting tree health and longevity.
This course covers level 1 & 2 modules from the City and Guilds course in Tree Planting.
Duration: Full day
Delivery: Online (max 20 people) or in a classroom (max 12 people)
Introduction to tree identification
Overview: In the course delegates will learn some of the botanical terms for ‘plant parts’ and begin to understand the steps towards tree identification. The day will conclude with a fun plant identification test!
This course covers level 1 & 2 modules from the City and Guilds course in Plant Identification.
Duration: Full day
Delivery: Online (max 20 people) or on-site learning, spring to autumn (max 12 people)
Winter tree identification
Overview: Identifying trees in the winter and spring months can be tough. That’s why we’ve put together this one day course. Not only will you learn more about tree identification and botanical anatomy but you’ll home in on hidden characteristics found in bark and branches.
This course covers level 1 & 2 modules from the City and Guilds course in Plant Identification.
Duration: Full day
Delivery: On-site learning, available in winter and spring months only (max 12 people)
Introduction to wildflowers
Overview: Information coming soon.
Beginner level courses:
Designed for people with a basic knowledge of the natural environment who would like to explore concepts in more detail. Perfect for educators, Apprentices or specialised community groups.
Woodland management – theory
Overview: Delegates will learn about the historical development of woodland in the UK, woodland ecology, survey techniques and sustainable woodland management practices during this introductory course.
Duration: Full day
Delivery: Online (max 20 people) or in a classroom (max 12 people)
Woodland management – practical
Overview: On this full day course delegates will take part in a woodland walk and Bio Blitz to find and identify as many species as possible.
Learning how to set up standard survey methods delegates will upload findings onto the INaturalist app and discuss databases used in woodland surveying and inventory.
Duration: One day
Delivery: On-site, available in spring and summer months only (max 12 people)
Nature-based solutions for beginners
Overview: Delegates will learn about different forms of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) and how they help combat the effects of climate change in our natural and built environment. By reviewing and analysing local case studies they will learn how to reduce flood risk, increase biodiversity and control urban heat.
Duration: Half day
Delivery: Online (max 20 people) or in a classroom (max 12 people)
Sustainable Urban Drainage (SUDs) for beginners
Overview: Delegates will examine local examples of Sustainable Urban Drainage (SUDs) and begin to understand their importance in attenuating flood risk and increasing biodiversity.
Duration: Half day
Delivery: Online (max 20 people) or in a classroom (max 12 people)
Intermediate level courses:
Perfect for those who are already operating within the natural environment sector and would like to improve their practical and theory-based skills.
Tree planting for practitioners
Overview: Delegates will learn about planning for a range of trees using, industry standards and the latest arboricultural science.
Duration: Full day
Delivery: Online (max 20 people) or in a classroom (max 12 people)
Woodland habitats for educators & practitioners
Overview: This one day course will take delegates through National Vegetation Classification surveys for classifying woodland types, providing techniques that are invaluable in informing management practices and plans. By the end of the course, participants will be able to explain the differences in woodland habitats.
Duration: Full day
Delivery: Online (max 20 people) or in a classroom (max 12 people)
Wildflower meadow planting & best practice
Overview: Delegates on this course will improve their understanding of wildflower meadows and how to maintain and create a lasting impact in your project.
Duration: Full day
Delivery: Online (max 20 people) or in a classroom (max 12 people)
Other courses:
Combatting Invasive Species
Overview: A detailed look at the identification, control and management methods used for invasive non-native species (INNS) in the UK
Duration: Full day
Delivery: Online (max 20 people) or in a classroom (max 12 people)
Case study:
Helping Manchester City Council enhance their woodland management skills