OCNLR
Level 2
QN: 603/3850/7
Curriculum Active
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Official qualification regulated by Ofqual, awarded by OCNLR. Classified as a Vocationally-Related Qualification. Total guided learning hours: 1750 hours.
Qualification Level
Level 2
Awarding Body
OCNLR
Syllabus Units
78 Units
Guided Hours
1750 hrs
Instant access to interactive lessons, quizzes, and spaced revision.
Course Syllabus & Study Modules
Complete breakdown of verified curriculum topics and learning objectives.
1
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Access and Security Issues in the Outdoor Environment
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify potential access and security issues in a given outdoor environment.
- Explain the legal and ethical requirements for providing disabled access in outdoor settings.
- Plan a scheme for disabled access, safety, and security in an outdoor environment.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of different security measures in outdoor environments.
- Design visitor information that is accessible to all visitors, including those with disabilities.
- Justify the need for accessible visitor information in outdoor environments.
2
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Animal Health and Welfare
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Monitor the health and wellbeing of animals using appropriate observation techniques
- Recognise signs of ill health and abnormal behaviour in animals
- Report signs of ill health and abnormal behaviour to the appropriate person
- Assist in the treatment of farm animals with veterinary medicines under supervision
- Provide food and water for animals in a clean and safe environment
- Follow health and safety procedures when caring for animals
3
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Applying for a Job
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know how to apply for jobs., Be able to prepare a job application.
4
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Care and pruning of plants
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to re-pot and pot on, Be able to provide aftercare to aid the establishment of plants that have been re-potted and those growing in the open ground, Know how to apply the principles of pruning, Be able to prune a range of plants to achieve specified outcomes
5
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Career Options in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- 1. Know about different career options within the horticulture, environmental and animal care related industries.2. Know their own preferences and options in relation to pursuing a particular career in horticulture, environmental or animal care related industries.
6
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Career Planning
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to investigate career options., Be able to assess career options., Be able to plan to achieve a career-related goal., Know about career progression.
7
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Cleaning and Maintaining Animal Accommodation
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- 1. Know about animal accommodation.2. Know about cleaning and maintaining animal accommodation.3. Be able to prepare and clean animal accommodation and bedding.4. Be able to maintain animal accommodation.
8
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Collaborative Working Using Digital Technology
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify appropriate collaborative technologies for horticultural, environmental, or animal care tasks.
- Configure shared digital workspaces, including document sharing and access permissions.
- Apply security measures such as password protection and two-factor authentication to collaborative accounts.
- Demonstrate safe information sharing practices, recognising phishing and data breach risks.
- Initiate and lead a collaborative session using digital tools, inviting contributions from peers.
- Critically evaluate the quality and relevance of contributions made by team members in a digital collaboration.
- Use feedback mechanisms within collaborative platforms to acknowledge and integrate others' input.
9
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Constructing a Dry Stone Wall
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify and select appropriate stone types and sizes for wall construction.
- Demonstrate correct techniques for digging and levelling foundation trenches.
- Apply principles of 'one over two, two over one' bonding to construct a stable wall face.
- Incorporate throughstones and coping stones correctly to enhance wall strength and finish.
- Safely use hand tools and handle materials in accordance with health and safety guidelines.
- Clear the work area of debris and store tools appropriately after task completion.
10
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Constructing and Maintaining a Footpath
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the factors to consider when planning a new footpath
- Describe the preparation required before laying a footpath
- Demonstrate the correct techniques for laying a footpath
- Perform routine maintenance tasks on an existing footpath
- Apply health and safety regulations when constructing and maintaining footpaths
- Evaluate the suitability of different materials for footpath construction
11
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Contribute to supporting group care activities
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the purpose and benefits of group care activities for individuals
- Describe factors that contribute to a supportive group culture
- Demonstrate how to support individuals to participate in group activities
- Implement a group care activity following a plan
- Monitor and record individual responses during group activities
- Evaluate the effectiveness of a group care activity
- Suggest improvements to group care activities based on evaluation
12
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Creating and Publishing Websites
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to use structures and styles when creating websites, Be able to use website software tools to prepare content for websites, Be able to publish websites
13
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Cultivating Compost and Soils
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- 1. Be able to prepare for composting and cultivation tasks.2. Understand the principles of the composting process 3. Be able to make and use compost in horticulture.4. Understand methods of improving soil condition and quality.5. Know how to cultivate different soils.6. Know how to test pH levels and the effects on plant life. 7. Be able to tidy the work area.
14
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Databases
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to create and modify non-relational database tables., Be able to enter, edit and organise structured information in a database., Be able to use database software tools to run queries and produce reports.
15
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Digital Content Creation – Audio and Video
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- 1. Be able to design a digital publication that incorporates audio and video content (such as an electronic document, web page, blog, social media page, and online survey). 2. Be able to input audio and video material elements within a rich media publication design.3. Be able to format and produce a rich media digital publication.
16
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Digital Content Creation – Text and Image
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- 1. Be able to design a digital publication that includes text and images.2. Be able to input text and combine with other digital media within a publication design.3. Be able to edit, format and produce a digital publication.
17
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Effective Communication in the Workplace
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the importance of effective communication in the workplace, Know how different types of communication are appropriate for different situations, Use appropriate forms of written communication, Use appropriate forms of oral communication
18
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Effectiveness at Work
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Know about effective behaviour at work., Be able to demonstrate effective working practices., Be able to evaluate own practice.
19
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Environmental Issues
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- 1. Know ways that people affect theenvironment.2. Understand the actions that peoplecan take to benefit theenvironment.3. Know different ways to reducetheir carbon footprint.
20
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Establishing and Maintaining Hedgerows
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the ecological and agricultural benefits of hedgerows.
- Explain the factors influencing the choice of plant species for a new hedgerow.
- Prepare a site for planting a new hedgerow, including ground clearance and soil improvement.
- Plant bare-root and containerised whips using correct spacing and techniques.
- Apply aftercare procedures, including watering, mulching, and protection from pests.
- Perform formative pruning and trimming to encourage dense growth.
- Identify and implement safe working practices when using hand tools and machinery.
- Leave the work site clear of debris and safe for others.
21
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Establishing and Maintaining Pond and Wetland Areas
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- 1. Know how to maintain existing pond and wetland areas.2. Be able to establish ponds and wetlands3. Be able to preserve pond and wetland area and habitat.4. Know how to work safely.
22
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Ethical and Political Issues Relating to Land-Based Activities
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify a current ethical or political issue relevant to horticulture, environmental conservation, or animal care.
- Research the chosen issue using credible sources and structured methods.
- Analyse differing viewpoints and key arguments related to the issue.
- Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each perspective.
- Formulate and justify a personal stance on the issue, considering ethical and political dimensions.
- Present findings and arguments clearly and coherently in a suitable format.
23
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Exploring Careers in the Green Industries
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- 1. Know about the green industries that offer career opportunities.2. Understand the range of employment opportunities available in green industries.
24
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Floristry Techniques
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify the tools and equipment used in floristry and their specific functions.
- Select appropriate plant material for different types of floral arrangements.
- Explain the principles of conditioning plant material to maximise vase life.
- Apply preservation techniques to extend the life of floral displays.
- Describe the basic design principles used in floristry, including proportion, balance, and focal point.
- Construct a simple floral arrangement using appropriate techniques.
25
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Garden Horticulture Skills
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify common garden and allotment produce accurately.
- Explain different methods of weed control and their suitability.
- Demonstrate correct techniques for sowing seeds and caring for seedlings.
- Apply methods to improve plant yield in a garden setting.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of different weed control methods.
- Justify choices of yield improvement techniques based on plant needs.
26
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Generating and Assessing a Business Idea
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to generate a viable business idea., Be able to assess the potential of a business idea., Know how to take a business idea forward.
27
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Global Warming and Climate Change
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- 1. Understand what is meant by ‘global warming’ and ‘climate change’.2. Understand the causes of global warming and climate change.3. Understand the impact of global warming and climate change on the environment.4. Know about local, national and international action regarding climate change. 5. Understand how to reduce personal impact on climate change.
28
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Growing Plants for Food
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- 1. Understand the principles and practices of crop rotation.2. Understand the factors involved in siting a vegetable production area.3. Know how to grow a range of vegetable seeds.4. Understand the use of protected cropping. 5. Know how to raise healthy plants.6. Know about types of perennial food crops.
29
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Health and Safety in an Outdoor Environment
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- 1. Understand key elements of health and safety policy relating to working or studying in an outdoor environment.2. Understand the role and process of risk assessment.3. Be able to maintain a safe working environment.4. Understand the procedures for fire prevention and fire related emergencies.5. Understand the individual’s own responsibility for health and safety.
30
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Improving Own Learning And Performance
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify personal learning style preferences and relate them to different learning situations.
- Assess own strengths, aptitudes, and skills to inform target setting.
- Set realistic learning targets based on self-assessment.
- Devise a plan to achieve learning targets, including resources and support.
- Review own performance against targets and identify areas for improvement.
31
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Improving Personal Productivity
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- 1. Be able to plan the use of digital software to improve productivity.2. Be able to use digital systems and software efficiently to complete planned tasks.3. Be able to review the selection and use of digital tools to make improvements in productivity.
32
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Interview Skills
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to present self for an interview., Be able to take part in an interview., Know how to review own performance in an interview.
33
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Introduction to Bushcraft
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- 1. Understand what is meant by ‘bushcraft skills’.2. Understand health and safety considerations relevant to bushcraft.3. Understand the principles and techniques for lighting fires outdoors.4. Understand how to select appropriate material and construct a simple shelter in the outdoors.5. Know how to find water in an outdoor environment.
34
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Introduction to Environmental Conservation
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- 1. Understand the need for plant and animal conservation.2. Know a variety of common trees and plants and understand their importance to wildlife. 3. Understand the effects of human activity on plants and animals.4. Understand the role of community access and engagement in environmental conservation. 5. Know about pests and diseases and their effects on plants and animals.
35
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Introduction to Green Care and Nature-Based Interventions
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- 1. Understand the concept of ‘green care’ and the ‘social prescription’ model.2. Understand the key personal skills required to facilitate nature-based activities, interventions and health promotion activities.3. Understand a range of nature-based activities and interventions suitable for individuals and groups.4. Understand how to plan and facilitate a nature-based activity, intervention or health promotion activity. 5. Understand the risks, limits and boundaries of running nature- based activities, interventions and health promotion activities.
36
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Introduction to Land-Based Machinery
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- 1. Understand safe working principles when using equipment and machinery.2. Be able to prepare land-based equipment and machinery for use3. Be able to operate land-based equipment and machinery.4. Be able to maintain land-based equipment and machinery
37
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Introduction to Permaculture
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the three core ethics of permaculture and their practical implications.
- Explain the twelve design principles of permaculture and how they guide site design.
- Analyse the role of water in permaculture site development, including harvesting and conservation techniques.
- Evaluate different planting and growing strategies, such as companion planting and forest gardening, for a permaculture site.
- Apply permaculture design principles to a given site scenario.
38
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Introduction to Self-Employment
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the key characteristics of successful self-employed people in the horticulture, environmental, and animal care sectors.
- Explain the importance of financial management, including income and expenditure, for a self-employed person.
- Identify the legal and practical responsibilities of a self-employed person.
- Outline the key components of a business plan for self-employment.
- Identify sources of support available to individuals considering self-employment.
39
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Introduction to Sustainability
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Define sustainability and its three pillars (environmental, social, economic).
- Explain the importance of natural resources for human well-being and ecosystem health.
- Identify key global challenges to sustainability, such as climate change, deforestation, and water scarcity.
- Describe how unsustainable practices impact natural resources.
- Give examples of sustainable practices relevant to horticulture and land management.
40
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Investigate an Environmental Issue
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- 1. Understand sources relating to an environmental issue.2. Understand the causes of the issue.3. Know how the issue impacts on the environment.4. Understand the ways the issue is being or could be addressed.
41
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
IT Communication Fundamentals in the Workplace
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to select and use a variety of sources of information to meet needs., Be able to search for, select and use internet-based information and evaluate its fitness for purpose., Be able to select and use IT to communicate safely, responsibly and effectively.
42
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
IT Software Fundamentals in the Workplace
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to select and use appropriate software applications to meet needs and solve problems., Be able to enter and format different types of information to suit its meaning and purpose., Be able to present information in ways that are fit for purpose and audience., Be able to evaluate the selection and use of IT tools and facilities to present information.
43
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Leadership Skills
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the key characteristics of an effective leader, Understand the skills involved in being an effective leader, Know about the development of the relationship of leader and team member, Know how to lead
44
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Learning from Work Placement
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to reflect on what was learnt on work placement., Be able to assess own performance during a work placement., Be able to use learning from a work placement to set career-related goals.
45
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Moving and Handling Animals
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- 1. Be able to restrain, handle and move animals safely.2. Be able to move animals.
46
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Oral Communication Skills
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to speak to an audience., Be able to listen with understanding., Know how to respond to questions., Be able to engage in discussion., Understand the strengths and weaknesses of own oral presentation.
47
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Organic Horticulture
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- 1. Understand the principles of organic agriculture.2. Know about the advantages to the environment of organic horticulture methods.3. Understand how the principles of sustainable horticulture can be used in mainstream horticulture.4. Know about economic principles underpinning organic horticulture.
48
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Pest, Disease and Weed Control
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- 1. Be able to prepare for tasks related to pest, disease and weed control.2. Be able to identify common pests, diseases and weeds. 3. Understand the relationship between healthy soil and biodiversity to limiting issues with pests, diseases and weeds.4. Understand and be able to carry out a range of practices used in the management of common pests, diseases and weeds.5. Be able to work in a safe and tidy manner.
49
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Practical Floristry Skills
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify materials and construction techniques suitable for a specified design brief.
- Explain how design decisions are informed by the brief and client requirements.
- Plan the construction process, including resource requirements and timelines.
- Produce a floral arrangement that meets the design brief.
- Review own work against the design brief and identify areas for improvement.
50
OCNLR Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care
Practical Presentation Skills
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the skills involved in preparing and delivering presentations., Be able to use different visual aids and delivery styles in presentations., Be able to plan a presentation., Be able to deliver a presentation., Be able to assess performance and identify areas for improvement.
Regulatory & Verification Details
- Qualification Number (QN)
- 603/3850/7
- Regulated Status
- Available to learners
- Awarding Body
- OCNLR
- Qualification Type
- Vocationally-Related Qualification
- Operational Start
- Dec 2018