Land Management Skills Scheme

Programme of rural skills training to allow local communities the skills to conserve and enhance the Quantock Hills.

Start date:

1 Oct 2021

End date:

Funding:

£60,000

Partners:

Somerset Council

More info:

The Land Management Skills Scheme will provide funded training in rural skills to young people, unemployed and local communities. The training will include skills most required by countryside contractors such as chainsaw, first aid and brushcutter and will build a skilled workforce to be able to undertake land management to conserve and enhance the Quantock Hills into the future.

🌿 Land Management Skills Courses on the Quantock Hills

Free 6-week courses in conservation and rural skills – open to unemployed people and young people out of education, training and employment.

Are you interested in nature, conservation, or working outdoors? Join us on the beautiful Quantock Hills for hands-on training in land management and countryside skills. These free courses are designed to help you build confidence, learn practical skills, and take your next step into volunteering, training, or employment.

🛠 What You’ll Learn

Each course includes practical activities such as:

Tree planting
Building tree guards
Coppicing and hedgelaying
First aid training (you’ll gain a qualification!)
Nature conservation tasks
Path and fencing maintenance

In spring and summer, we’ll also offer workshops on:

Farming and food growing
Wildlife surveying

📍 Location

We’ll be based at New Stowey Farm, near Nether Stowey, with some activities taking place across the Quantock Hills.

👥 Who Can Join?

We’re running two separate courses:

For ages 25 and over

Tuesdays, 10:30am–3:30pm
Dates: 21 Oct, 28 Oct, 4 Nov, 11 Nov, 18 Nov, 25 Nov

For ages 16–25

Wednesdays, 10:30am–3:30pm
Dates: 5 Nov, 12 Nov, 18 Nov (note: this session is on a Tuesday), 26 Nov, 3 Dec, 10 Dec

⭐ More dates to be announced soon ⭐

🚐 What to Expect

Small groups (around 6 participants)
Friendly support from staff and volunteers
A relaxed, welcoming environment
Plenty of breaks and time outdoors
Free transport from nearby areas

We’ve created a draft programme so you can see what’s planned – just ask if you’d like a copy!

📞 Interested?

Get in touch if you’d like to chat or learn more. We’d love to hear from you!

Email: lucy.stockton@somerset.gov.uk

Phone number: 07920783865