Trees on Farms & Fells

Program Overview

Module - Trees on Farms & Fells

Trees on Farms & Fells, developed in partnership with the Forestry Commission, will develop your knowledge of the opportunities for integrating trees into agriculture on upland farms in England. Through site visits, workshops and online sessions, you will gain awareness of benefits, constraints, tree management, advice and funding options. You will gain the skills to produce a basic tree action plan for an upland farm.

The course has an applied focus and is designed for upland farmers, land managers and advisors. It can be studied separately or as part of our set of Upland Environmental Land Management short courses. Small group taught sessions will take place online, at our Ambleside campus and at upland locations in Cumbria.

Course dates to be confirmed for 2025.

Course Overview

This module introduces the benefits, trade-offs, options, constraints and processes involved in planned tree growth on England’s upland farms and fells. You will gain an overview of the types of tree planting and care which is possible, practical and justified in the uplands, in terms of environment, heritage and the farm business. You will consider principles and processes to make informed decisions and gain familiarity with key sources of information and advice to use in future. Guided visits to two upland farms and an upland common will demonstrate the principles and processes and provide opportunities for discussion. You will apply your skills to prepare a basic tree action plan for an upland farmed landscape of your choice.

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...

• Understand the range of benefits of trees on farms and fells in the English uplands.
• Identify suitable funding options and key organisations to contact for advice and permissions, including for common land.
• Gain an overview of relevant management strategies including planting schemes.
• Understand constraints and trade-offs when changing the upland treescape, including practical, financial, environmental trade-offs and regulatory constraints.
• Identifying opportunities for trees in the local upland farmed landscape.
• Evaluate practical options ‘on the ground’ and create a justified action plan for trees on an upland farm.

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

You’ll first consider what we mean by trees on farms and fells: agroforestry, wood pasture, planting and regeneration, hedgerows, farming your trees and regenerative farming. We will explore the context in England: the ways things are changing in farm business, land use policy and agri-environment schemes. You’ll learn about the broad range of benefits of trees on farms and fells. Via case studies, you’ll consider treescapes and planting schemes of different types and at various stages, how they have been planned and managed, and why they are assets. You'll explore the options for grant funding for trees on farms and fells, gain some awareness of the application processes and the implications of the various grant schemes. You will learn about constraints on planting trees: regulatory impacts and regulators, environmental constraints and cultural constraints. You’ll learn about identifying objectives of a scheme, what’s suitable where, the design of a planting scheme across a landscape, timescales, and environmental impact assessments. You’ll consider wood pasture, especially the opportunities for product quality and product story, profitability and improving soil quality. You’ll be equipped to prepare a basic tree action plan, applying your learning to a specific upland area in practice.

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, farm tours and practical fieldwork activities.

This course emphasises application of skills and knowledge in the context of contemporary upland 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 assessed task which allows you to demonstrate the core skills and knowledge from the course. The task involves preparing a basic tree action plan for your chosen upland area.

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

Understanding the practical options for Trees on Farms and Fells can help take your farm business forward or expand your advisory role.

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.
• Alternative routes: We accept equivalent competency through experience. Holding higher qualifications does not preclude applicants from studying these courses.

Fair Admissions

Applications are considered in date order until the closing date.

Selection Criteria

Please use our Entry Requirements leaflet to help you determine whether the course is suitable for you at this time.

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 travel to Ambleside campus and for site visits.
• Books and Journals: None specified. Core reading materials are freely available online.
• Stationery: Notetaking materials for outdoor use.
• Clothing and Equipment: Clothing and footwear, suitable for walking in an upland environment in Cumbria, whatever the weather.
• Other: Personal computer equipment with word processing software. 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.