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Short course - Frameworks for Landscape Restoration

Frameworks for Landscape Restoration will develop your knowledge of the policies, frameworks and drivers for restoration in the UK, and the different mechanisms to support design and delivery of landscape restoration. Using a real-world location affording multiple restoration opportunities, you will explore the decision-making process to decide upon and implement a restoration project. In small groups, you will present a business plan of your preferred restoration, and the potential mechanisms to support your project.

Small group taught sessions will take place online, at our Ambleside campus and at field locations nearby.

The course has an applied focus and is designed for land agents land managers and advisors. It can be studied separately or as part of our set of Upland Environmental Land Management short courses.

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Course Overview

There are many policy, planning and practice drivers encouraging the restoration of landscapes in the UK. This module steps back and asks the key questions “What is landscape restoration?” and “Why undertake landscape restoration?” and “What are the mechanisms” whilst developing your understanding of optimal implementation.
You will identify and examine pertinent policies, strategies and guidance in all 4 nations, recognising the variations and opportunities they afford in landscape restoration. You will undertake field analysis of site opportunities, key partners and barriers, linking policies to place. You will develop a ‘business plan’ approach to identify the most appropriate landscape restoration scheme to implement, and the policy frameworks to fund and deliver the intended outcomes.

The course includes site visits, workshops and seminars at our Ambleside campus, plus online evening lectures. This part-time course will often be possible to complete whilst working.

On this course you will...

Gain a wider understanding of the different policies and schemes to support landscape restoration across the UK and devolved nations.
Appreciate the different interpretations and opportunities for landscape restoration in the UK, and evaluate their strengths and limitations.
Recognise the different drivers and outcomes of landscape restoration (carbon optimisation, biodiversity net gain, ecosystem services, social and economic benefits)
Understand how to link different policies, strategies and guidance to real landscapes, and to develop a pathway to making optimal landscape restoration choices.

Key Details

Recruiting toUK / RoI / Settled in UK
Course LocationAmbleside
Institute Institute of Science and Environment
Mode of DeliveryBlended (includes in-person and online sessions)
Course Duration Part-time: 6 weeks, Short Course
Course Start PointJune
AwardShort course
Open DaysAmbleside
All

Minimum entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements but English and Mathematics at Level 2 (e.g. GCSE Grade C/4), and educational qualifications at Level 3 (e.g. A Level, NVQ level 3) or equivalent would be advantageous.

UK Tuition fees

£550

Entry in 2025/26

£600

Entry in 2026/27

Tuition Fees Policy

Course Structure

What you will learn

- Context – what is landscape restoration; sustainable land management; scale required for habitat and climate management.

- Policy, guidance and funding (across the UK and devolved governments).

- Principles of landscape restoration – why undertake it? soils/water/carbon, biodiversity, sustainability.

- Benefits – scales of economy, wider benefits, social, physical, resources, timescales, economic.

- Challenges – social, physical, resources, timescales, economics, cultural.

- Different perspectives – different stakeholders/roles, specific interests/professional approaches, mediation, brand/member tensions.

- Need for clarity and transparency, honesty, respect, communication

- How and where to start developing a landscape restoration project?

- Different approaches – who is interested, how will you fund, who will lead, formal vs informal, partnerships

- Vehicles/mechanisms for delivery – in different areas

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

UK Tuition fees

£550
Entry in 2025/26

£600
Entry in 2026/27

International Tuition fees

The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs.

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

More Information

We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and funds available to support you throughout your studies with us. This includes the Cumbria Bursary - a non-repayable bursary designed to support first year students with a household income of less than £25,000..

Student Finance

Additional Costs

Stationery, printing and digital storage

Approximately £30 to £40 per year

RequiredPer yearStationery

You should budget for stationery and consumables for personal use. These may include notebooks, pens and pencils, digital storage devices, printing and photocopying. The amount you spend will depend on your study preferences.

Books and journals

Approximately £50 to £300 over the course of your studies

OptionalThroughout the courseBooks and journals

Most core textbooks and journals are available through the University library. You may choose to purchase personal copies of books or other resources used to support your studies.

Some courses recommend particular books or provide an estimated annual budget for purchasing personal copies. Search for your course below for details.

Technology requirements

Cost depends on the equipment and internet service you choose

RequiredThroughout the courseDigital learning and IT

You will need regular access to a laptop or computer capable of accessing the internet and running software such as a word processor and Microsoft Teams. Microsoft 365 is provided as part of your studies. You will also need a reliable internet connection. The amount you spend will depend on the equipment and internet service you choose.

Information on borrowing university laptops

Clothing and footwear for upland walking

Cost depends on what you already own

RequiredOne-offClothing and uniform

You'll need clothing and footwear suitable for walking in an upland environment in Cumbria, whatever the weather.

Equipment for online sessions

Cost depends on the equipment you already have

RequiredThroughout the courseDigital learning and IT

Parts of this course are taught online, so as well as a laptop or computer you will need a webcam, microphone and speakers or headset, and an internet connection good enough for live video calls.

Travel to campus and site visits

Cost varies depending on where you travel from

RequiredThroughout the courseTravel and accommodation

You will need to arrange and pay for your own travel to the Ambleside campus, in-person sessions and field or site visits.

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Location
Ambleside Campus
Nestled in the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Ambleside campus is the perfect place for world-savers, animal lovers, and adventurers. There is never a dull moment when surrounded by such natural beauty and opportunity.
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Short course - Frameworks for Landscape Restoration