Horticulture & Land Management

    NOCN
    Vocational

    Specification: 600/5890/0

    The NOCN Vocational Horticulture & Land Management specification covers 19 topics with 107 learning objectives (600/5890/0). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.

    This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

    19

    Units

    107

    Learning Outcomes

    105

    Assessment Guidance

    114

    Key Skills

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    Key Features

    • Master key concepts
    • Develop exam technique
    • Apply knowledge effectively

    Common Exam Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

    • •Confusing Forest School with general outdoor play or traditional outdoor education, overlooking its unique emphasis on learner-led, long-term programmes.
    • •Identifying species using only visual cues while ignoring other sensory methods (texture, smell) or seasonal changes.
    • •Failing to distinguish between a hazard (potential source of harm) and a risk (likelihood of harm occurring).
    • •Assuming Forest School always has a negative environmental impact without recognising the principles of sustainability and minimal disturbance.
    • •Assuming assessment of impact and evaluation are the same process; impact assessment focuses on measuring learner outcomes, whereas evaluation examines the effectiveness of the programme delivery itself.
    • •Neglecting to link session activities explicitly to the Forest School principles, instead presenting generic outdoor activities without a coherent ethos.
    • •Overlooking the importance of long-term developmental changes, focusing only on short-term or task-based outcomes.
    • •Providing subjective accounts without triangulating evidence from multiple sources (e.g., relying solely on own observations without participant voice).

    Top Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for exam success

    • •When explaining Forest School principles, use the 'learner-centred' and 'nature-connected' ethos as a framework to structure your answer.
    • •For species identification tasks, focus on easily observable features such as leaf shape, bark texture, and typical habitat, and practice using a simple key.
    • •In risk assessment questions, clearly separate the identification of hazards from the evaluation of risks, and mention control measures like maintaining a safe boundary walk.
    • •Ensure your portfolio includes a detailed session plan with clear risk-benefit assessments and links to the Forest School principles to demonstrate integrated understanding.
    • •Use a reflective diary throughout the programme to capture real-time insights; this will strengthen both your impact assessment and evaluation with authentic evidence.
    • •When evaluating, structure your report around the six principles, addressing how each was upheld and where improvements can be made.
    • •Include anonymised participant feedback forms or creative methods (e.g., drawings, voice recordings) as supplementary evidence to support your observations.
    • •When writing or presenting evidence, always connect a specific Forest School activity to the relevant developmental domain (e.g. whittling for fine motor skills and perseverance) to demonstrate deep understanding.

    Qualification Units

    19 units

    How this qualification is graded

    Vocational qualifications are marked against criteria, not an exam percentage. Each unit is assessed across three bands - build up from Pass by applying your knowledge to realistic workplace scenarios.

    Pass

    Accurately describe and explain the core knowledge for the unit and link it to the given scenario.

    Merit

    Apply and analyse that knowledge in detail, showing why it matters in the workplace context.

    Distinction

    Evaluate and justify decisions, weigh up alternatives and make well-reasoned professional recommendations.

    Introduction to the Forest School Ethos and Principles

    This subtopic introduces learners to the core ethos and guiding principles of the Forest School approach, emphasising child-led, holistic development within a natural woodland setting. It covers foundational knowledge of how Forest School differs from traditional outdoor education, the importance of regular and repeated experiences, and the key practical elements of species identification, environmental stewardship, and risk management. Learners begin to understand their role in fostering a respectful and safe outdoor learning community.

    NOCN Level 1 Award in Forest School Ethos and Principles

    5 learning outcomes7 guidance points

    Forest School Programme: Delivery

    This subtopic focuses on the practical delivery of an introductory Forest School programme, ensuring alignment with the six core principles and ethos of Forest School. It requires learners to facilitate sessions that promote holistic development through learner-centred, play-based learning in a natural environment. The assessment of impact and critical evaluation are integral to refining practice and demonstrating professional competence.

    NOCN Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Supporting a Forest School Programme: Learning and Development

    This subtopic focuses on the Forest School Assistant's role in facilitating holistic learning and development through nature-based experiences, grounded in the Forest School ethos of learner-centred, play-based, and risk-aware practice. It explores how to plan and support activities that nurture physical, social, emotional, and cognitive growth, while also building the reflective skills essential for continuous professional development in this setting.

    NOCN Level 2 Award for Forest School Assistants

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Health and Safety in a Practical Environment

    This subtopic introduces learners to the foundational principles of health and safety within horticultural practical settings, focusing on relevant legislation, safe use of tools and equipment, and risk assessment procedures. It emphasises the development of personal responsibility and proactive hazard identification to maintain a safe working environment for oneself and others. Mastery of these practices is essential for anyone working in land-based industries to prevent accidents and ensure compliance with legal duties.

    NOCN Level 1 Award in Horticulture, NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Horticulture

    6 learning outcomes14 guidance points2 criteria

    Communication in the Workplace

    This element focuses on the communication skills vital for effective teamwork in horticultural settings, from understanding organisational hierarchies to resolving workplace disputes. Learners will explore formal and informal channels, task-related dialogue, and conflict management strategies, applying these to roles such as garden maintenance, nursery work, and groundskeeping.

    NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Horticulture

    4 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Using and Maintaining Horticultural Hand Tools

    This element introduces learners to the fundamental practices of safely using, maintaining, repairing, and storing horticultural hand tools. It emphasises practical skills such as cleaning, sharpening, oiling, and basic repairs to extend tool life and ensure safe operation. Proficiency in these routines underpins professional horticultural work, reducing risks and enhancing efficiency.

    NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Horticulture, NOCN Level 1 Award in Horticulture

    11 learning outcomes16 guidance points2 criteria

    Weed Control

    This element equips learners with the foundational knowledge and practical skills to effectively manage weeds in horticultural settings. It covers weed identification, understanding the necessity of weed control, and applying various control methods while adhering to health and safety regulations. Learners will also learn to maintain a tidy work environment to prevent hazards and ensure quality outcomes.

    NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Horticulture, NOCN Level 1 Award in Horticulture

    13 learning outcomes20 guidance points2 criteria

    Supporting a Forest School Programme: Practical Skills

    This subtopic equips learners with the essential practical competencies to effectively support a Forest School programme. It focuses on understanding woodland ecology, identifying key flora and fauna to inform activity planning, managing ecological impacts to preserve the site, carrying out robust risk and risk-benefit assessments, and applying safe, hands-on skills such as tool use and shelter construction to facilitate engaging outdoor learning experiences.

    NOCN Level 2 Award for Forest School Assistants

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Forest School Programme: Learning and Development

    This element explores how the Forest School approach fosters holistic learning and development through child-led outdoor play. It examines key educational theories underpinning the practice, the role of behaviour in shaping learning experiences, and the importance of reflective practice in leader development. Learners gain a critical understanding of the six principles of Forest School and how they create a nurturing environment for growth.

    NOCN Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders

    1 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Customer Service Skills

    This element introduces learners to the fundamental principles of customer service within a horticultural context, such as garden centres, nurseries, or landscaping businesses. It emphasises how positive interactions, professional conduct, and respect for individuals directly influence customer satisfaction and organisational success. Practical application focuses on developing communication skills and understanding the tangible benefits of good service versus the risks of poor service in real-world horticulture settings.

    NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Horticulture

    6 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Pest Control

    This element introduces learners to the essential principles of pest control within horticultural settings, emphasizing the identification of common pests, understanding of control methods, and the application of safe working practices. It covers the preparation, execution, and follow-up of pest control activities, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. Learners will develop the practical skills needed to manage pests effectively while maintaining a clean and organized work environment.

    NOCN Level 1 Award in Horticulture, NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Horticulture

    14 learning outcomes18 guidance points2 criteria

    Plant Propagation

    This element introduces fundamental plant propagation techniques essential for horticultural practice. Learners develop hands-on skills in sowing seeds, pricking out seedlings, taking stem cuttings, and potting up young plants, alongside critical irrigation and hygiene routines. These competencies are directly applicable to nursery work, landscaping, and domestic gardening contexts.

    NOCN Level 1 Award in Horticulture, NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Horticulture

    12 learning outcomes24 guidance points2 criteria

    Forest School Programme: Planning and Preparation

    This element focuses on equipping learners with the knowledge and skills to design a Forest School programme that is rooted in the movement's historical and pedagogical foundations. It emphasises the creation of robust planning documents, the integration of ecological impact management, and ensuring all activities align with the six core Forest School principles. Practical application includes developing a site-specific handbook, risk-benefit assessments, and session plans that foster learner-led, holistic development in a woodland setting.

    NOCN Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders

    1 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Organic Soil Management

    Organic soil management focuses on the differences between organic and conventional methods, environmental benefits, and techniques such as composting, green manures, and crop rotation. It promotes sustainable horticulture practices.

    NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Horticulture

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Forest School Programme: Practical Skills

    This element focuses on the leader's competence in safely performing and teaching core Forest School practical skills, such as tool use, fire lighting, and shelter building, while embedding learner-led discovery and environmental stewardship. Mastery requires not only technical proficiency but also the ability to facilitate skills progression in a woodland setting, ensuring adherence to the Forest School principles of holistic development, risk-benefit analysis, and long-term, frequent sessions. Effective facilitation involves creating a supportive, inclusive atmosphere where learners choose challenges, reflect on their learning, and develop resilience, independence, and a deep connection to the natural world.

    NOCN Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders

    1 learning outcomes5 guidance points

    Plant Pruning

    Plant pruning is a fundamental horticultural practice involving the selective removal of plant parts to improve health, control growth, and enhance appearance. This subtopic introduces Level 1 learners to the reasons for pruning, basic techniques for maintenance, and shaping of common garden plants.

    NOCN Level 1 Award in Horticulture, NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Horticulture

    10 learning outcomes14 guidance points2 criteria

    Plant Selection

    Plant selection involves understanding plant characteristics, uses, and suitability for specific locations. Learners must consider establishment and maintenance needs.

    NOCN Level 1 Award in Horticulture, NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Horticulture

    7 learning outcomes16 guidance points2 criteria

    Forest School Programme: The Woodland Environment

    This element explores the fundamental knowledge required by Forest School leaders to understand woodland ecosystems, including their structure, key species identification, and sustainable management. Learners develop the ability to assess and enhance a woodland site for safe and effective learning, while fostering a deep, reciprocal relationship between the Forest School programme and the natural environment. Mastery of these concepts ensures that leaders can create ecologically sensitive, engaging outdoor experiences that align with the principles of Forest School.

    NOCN Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Understanding Soils and Growing Media

    This subtopic introduces learners to the fundamental properties of soils and growing media, explaining how their composition, structure, and preparation directly influence plant health. It covers practical skills such as soil testing, mixing growing media, and basic cultivation techniques like digging and raking to create optimal planting conditions. Understanding these principles prepares learners for hands-on horticulture tasks in gardens, nurseries, and landscaping.

    NOCN Level 1 Award in Horticulture, NOCN Level 1 Certificate in Horticulture

    11 learning outcomes15 guidance points2 criteria

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