Managing our land for future generations

Do you want to be involved in finding solutions to: water pollution, habitat loss, climate change, wildlife extinctions, rural de-population, rising cost of energy?

Environmental Conservation is an expanding sector showing a steady rate of growth.  In the UK there are approximately 4,900 organisations employing some 56,000 staff and an estimated 200,000 volunteers.  The environmental industry is very competitive and it is important that those considering a career in the industry gain qualifications.

The environmental industry reacts to current environmental issues and new environmental policy, for example issues facing the agricultural industry, including CAP reform and the Nitrates Directive, or those issues facing the general public on waste management. It is becoming imperative that those considering a career in the industry must be capable of adapting and embracing new technologies, policies and opportunities.

At Greenmount Campus the programmes are tailored to produce such graduates and have received the endorsement of the industry.

View the Career Profiles

Greenmount Campus facilities

Few Colleges can match the resources Greenmount Campus has to offer students interested in countryside management. Not only is the Campus set in 18 hectares of parkland, but it also boasts a further 300 hectares of lowland farmland, including areas of broad-leaved woodland and wetland. A further 1,000 hectares  of upland are farmed at the College's Hill Farm which is included within a Special Protection Area (SPA) designation.

Greenmount Trail

The Trail was established in 1979 to provide students and the general public with a better understanding and appreciation of farming and wildlife matters. It is used as an educational resource for over 7,000 visitors per year. The RSPB and Ulster Wildlife Trust in partnership with CAFRE provide field teaching offering visitors the opportunity to investigate a variety of farmland habitats and wildlife. Students conduct some of these tours within the Environmental Education & Interpretation module to gain experience in dealing with the general public.

View the CAFRE Trail at Greenmount Campus

Greenmount Hill Farm

The Hill Farm comprises an area of 1,000 hectares supporting 100 suckler cows and 1100 ewes. The farm embraces the principles of the Countryside Management Scheme (CMS), in particular proactive management of habitats such as heathland and breeding wader sites. These habitats offer an array of learning opportunities such as practical hedgerow management, identification of flora and fauna, woodland management and dry stone walling.

Constructed Wetland System

The Constructed Wetlands System (CWS) at Greenmount Campus is an artificial wetlands designed to mimic the bio-filtration (cleansing) action of natural wetland systems. Mildly polluted water is channelled through a series of five ponds. The polluted water is from a range of sources including; milking parlour washings, dirty water from farm yards and runoff during the winter from unroofed silage pits. Water samples are collected and analysed on a regular basis to ensure the CWS is working efficiently. CAFRE in conjunction with our partner organisations are currently evaluating the effectiveness of this CWS system. This site gives students opportunities to undertake water analysis and survey works as part of their Environmental Science and Environmental monitoring modules.