Frameworks for Landscape Restoration

Program Overview

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Module - 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.

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 to: UK / RoI / Settled in UK
• Course Location: Ambleside
• Institute: Institute of Science and Environment
• Delivery Style: Blended (includes in-person and online sessions)
• Course Duration: Part-time: 6 weeks
• Course Start Point: undefined
• Award: Module

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

Teaching & Assessment

How you will learn

Tutor-led sessions will be a mix of in-person at our Ambleside campus and nearby upland sites plus online live sessions. Teaching and learning activities will include tutor presentations, small group discussions, supported digital skills workshops, site tours and practical fieldwork activities.

This course emphasises application of skills and knowledge in the context of contemporary environmental land management.

You will also be expected to complete some independent study outside of taught sessions to prepare for the course and to consolidate, extend and reflect on your learning. We will provide support for your independent learning by recommending online resources and reading materials suited to your prior knowledge.

How you will be assessed

Your learning will be assessed through completion of a realistic portfolio task which allows you to demonstrate the core skills and knowledge from the course. The task includes developing a business plan (as part of a small group) for a landscape restoration project, selecting the policies and frameworks that best suit the restoration goal, and identifying the appropriate steps towards implementation. This portfolio will comprise a flow diagram of the key steps in your restoration plan, and a presentation (in the field) to recommend the land management options for a restoration plan to recognize different approaches, policy and funding options, intended outcomes and reflection on potential challenges and how to manage them.

The course is graded pass/fail with a pass being awarded upon attendance of the course and completion of the set task to an acceptable standard.

Career Outcomes

Gaining a greater understanding of the policy, funding and practices associated with landscape restoration in the UK will enable you to advance your current business or practice, including acting in an advisory role to others.

Overview

The module is suitable for people working in, or seeking to work in, upland farming, land management or advisory services.

Qualifications

Entry Requirements

• GCSEs: Level 2 (e.g. GCSE Grade C/4) English and Mathematics, or equivalent competency through experience.
• A-levels: Level 3 (e.g. A Level, NVQ level 3) any subject, or equivalent competency through experience.
• Irish LC Highers:
• Other experience: Holding higher qualifications does not preclude applicants from studying these courses.
• Alternative routes: We accept equivalent competency through experience.

Fair Admissions

Applications are considered in date order until the closing date.

Selection Criteria

The following technology skills are necessary for successful module completion:

• Using word processing software (e.g. Microsoft Word)
• Accessing websites and joining video calls online
• Using new online tools or apps with guidance

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

• 2025 - 2026: £500 - UK

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.

Additional Costs

• Students will need to arrange their own transport for field trips and in-person sessions during the course.
• Books and Journals: Core reading materials are freely available online.
• Stationery: Students will need to supply their own note-taking materials for outdoor use.
• Clothing and Equipment: Students will need clothing and footwear suitable for walking in an upland environment in Cumbria, whatever the weather.
• Other: Students will require personal computer equipment with word processing software, and with internet access suitable for use of live video and audio during online taught sessions, and for browsing to access learning materials. University of Cumbria offers loan of laptops to students subject to availability.