Open Awards
Entry Level
QN: 601/1046/6
Curriculum Active
Open Awards Entry Level Award in Introductory Conservation Skills (Entry 3) (RQF)
Official qualification regulated by Ofqual, awarded by Open Awards. Classified as a Vocationally-Related Qualification. Total guided learning hours: 388 hours.
Qualification Level
Entry Level
Awarding Body
Open Awards
Syllabus Units
16 Units
Guided Hours
388 hrs
Instant access to interactive lessons, quizzes, and spaced revision.
Course Syllabus & Study Modules
Complete breakdown of verified curriculum topics and learning objectives.
1
Open Awards Entry Level Award in Introductory Conservation Skills (Entry 3) (RQF)
Developing Self
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand how to identify areas for self-development.Understand how to take responsibility for their own self development.Be able to demonstrate how they have developed personal skills
2
Open Awards Entry Level Award in Introductory Conservation Skills (Entry 3) (RQF)
Edging and Repairing a Footpath
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to edge and repair a footpath., Know why footpaths need to be maintained.
3
Open Awards Entry Level Award in Introductory Conservation Skills (Entry 3) (RQF)
Environmental Awareness
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify examples of how human actions affect the environment
- Describe environmental issues that affect their own life
- Demonstrate ways to improve the local environment
4
Open Awards Entry Level Award in Introductory Conservation Skills (Entry 3) (RQF)
Get to Know Woodlands
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Recognise and name at least five common woodland tree species using leaf, bark, and overall shape
- Distinguish between key woodland floor plants, including ferns, mosses, and flowering species
- Interpret common animal tracks and signs, such as footprints, droppings, gnawed nuts, and feather remains
- Explain how woodland habitats support a diverse range of wildlife, from insects to mammals
- Describe at least two human activities that threaten natural woodlands and suggest simple preservation measures
5
Open Awards Entry Level Award in Introductory Conservation Skills (Entry 3) (RQF)
Health and Safety in a Practical Environment
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify common hazards in a practical conservation environment
- State the purpose of key health and safety procedures relevant to conservation work
- Demonstrate correct use and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Conduct a simple risk assessment for a given conservation task
- Describe the correct procedure for reporting accidents and near-misses
6
Open Awards Entry Level Award in Introductory Conservation Skills (Entry 3) (RQF)
How to Survey a Landscape and Develop an Improvement Plan
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand how to carry out an environmental survey of a site., Understand how to carry out improvement work.
7
Open Awards Entry Level Award in Introductory Conservation Skills (Entry 3) (RQF)
Interpersonal Communication Skills
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify the key features of effective interpersonal communication in a conservation setting.
- Describe the importance of clear communication for teamwork and safety during practical conservation tasks.
- Demonstrate active listening techniques when receiving instructions or feedback.
- Explain how non-verbal signals can impact understanding among team members.
- Give examples of communication barriers and how to overcome them in a conservation context.
8
Open Awards Entry Level Award in Introductory Conservation Skills (Entry 3) (RQF)
Introduction to the Maintenance of a Planted Area
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify appropriate seasons for key maintenance activities in a planted area.
- Demonstrate correct planting techniques for a range of native species.
- Select and use hand tools safely for weeding, pruning, and cultivating.
- Assess a planted area to determine required aftercare, including watering and mulching.
- Explain how regular maintenance contributes to conservation goals such as habitat creation.
- Apply practical skills to maintain a small planted area over a growing season.
9
Open Awards Entry Level Award in Introductory Conservation Skills (Entry 3) (RQF)
Knowing Your Local Area
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify key buildings and facilities in the local area and describe their primary uses.
- List different groups and services that make up the local community.
- Describe ways in which the local community supports its members.
- Explain own responsibilities regarding litter, noise, and respecting shared spaces.
- Demonstrate how to locate local facilities using a simple map or digital tool.
10
Open Awards Entry Level Award in Introductory Conservation Skills (Entry 3) (RQF)
Maintain a Fence
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify common types of fencing and their conservation purposes.
- Select appropriate tools and personal protective equipment for fence maintenance tasks.
- Inspect a section of fencing to identify damage, wear, or instability.
- Carry out basic fence repairs under supervision, such as re-attaching wire or replacing a post.
- Follow safe working procedures throughout maintenance activities, including manual handling.
11
Open Awards Entry Level Award in Introductory Conservation Skills (Entry 3) (RQF)
Observing and Encouraging Birds
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify at least three common bird species by sight or sound.
- Describe a habitat feature that supports a named common bird.
- Explain the typical diet of one common bird species.
- Demonstrate how to observe birds without causing disturbance.
- Recommend one method for providing food or shelter for birds in a local area.
12
Open Awards Entry Level Award in Introductory Conservation Skills (Entry 3) (RQF)
Preparing a Site for Planting Young Trees
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Demonstrate how to clear a planting site of weeds, debris, and large stones.
- Demonstrate the correct technique for planting a young tree, including digging the hole and firming the soil.
- Identify the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) required for site preparation and planting tasks.
- State the reasons for cleaning tools after use to prevent rust and disease spread.
- Show how to store tools and equipment safely and securely after use.
- Outline the importance of site preparation for the long-term health of young trees.
13
Open Awards Entry Level Award in Introductory Conservation Skills (Entry 3) (RQF)
Safely Maintain an Area of Habitat
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify common hazards in a habitat area before beginning work
- Select appropriate hand tools for specific maintenance tasks
- Demonstrate safe and correct use of hand tools under supervision
- Carry out basic habitat maintenance activities such as pruning, weeding, or path clearing
- Dispose of green waste and litter in line with environmental best practice
- Follow a simple habitat maintenance plan to complete assigned tasks
14
Open Awards Entry Level Award in Introductory Conservation Skills (Entry 3) (RQF)
Team Work in Environmental Studies
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify the shared objectives for a team-based conservation activity.
- Describe how individual roles contribute to achieving group goals.
- Assess personal performance following a group task using a simple reflective framework.
- Demonstrate effective communication techniques during a practical environmental study.
- Explain the importance of clear communication for health and safety within teamwork.
15
Open Awards Entry Level Award in Introductory Conservation Skills (Entry 3) (RQF)
Using and Maintaining Tools Used in Conservation
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify at least five common conservation hand tools and describe their primary uses.
- Demonstrate correct and safe techniques for using a pruning saw, loppers, and slasher.
- Perform cleaning, sharpening, and oiling of a spade and a pair of secateurs.
- Explain the importance of regular maintenance for tool longevity and personal safety.
- Inspect a hand tool for defects and determine if it is safe to use.
16
Open Awards Entry Level Award in Introductory Conservation Skills (Entry 3) (RQF)
Working as Part of a Group
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify appropriate ways to communicate with team members during a conservation activity
- Demonstrate active listening and responding to others' contributions
- Perform an allocated role within a group task
- Describe how personal actions affected the group's outcome
- Recognise the importance of following health and safety instructions in a team
Regulatory & Verification Details
- Qualification Number (QN)
- 601/1046/6
- Regulated Status
- Available to learners
- Awarding Body
- Open Awards
- Qualification Type
- Vocationally-Related Qualification
- Operational Start
- Sept 2013