ABC Level 2 Certificate in Forestry

Your first set of course materials will be sent to you when you enrol. You can start as soon as you want and progress through the course at your own pace (you have 2 years to complete it), studying when and where you choose. This flexibility makes it easy to fit learning around work and family commitments.

The extensive course materials have been developed by forestry experts and are clear and straightforward, so your studying is easy and enjoyable. As you complete each lesson, your tutor will promptly return your marked assignment with constructive feedback and guidance. You will be guided in the preparation of your portfolio work. (You can also contact your tutor or the support team for help at any point during your studies.)

The course includes all the required study materials.

You will be assessed, through a portfolio of completed coursework for the ABC Level 2 Certificate in Forestry.

We are proud of our friendly, caring ethos and aim to do all we can to help you succeed.

Our tutors are all experienced, highly qualified and passionate about sharing their love of their subject. You can phone or email your tutor throughout the course – to ask questions, for advice, encouragement or to draw on their wealth of knowledge.

You can also contact the support team who are here to help you Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

ABC Level 2 Certificate in Forestry (in partnership with the RFS) – A 6-unit study programme following the ABC/RFS syllabus.

Students must complete the following 5 units:

Unit 1 – Principles of Woodlands, Forestry and Ecology

Unit 2 – Woody Plant Physiology

Unit 3 – The Supply, Planting and Aftercare of Woody Plants

Unit 4 – The Interaction of Soil Environments and Woody Plants

Unit 5 – Tree inspections and Statute and Common Law Applied to Trees

Plus 1 of the following options:

Unit 6 – Identify and Select Forestry and Woodland Trees for Planting

Or

Unit 7 – Principles of Practical Silviculture & Habitat Management

NOTE – If you have completed the ABC Level 2 Certificate in Arboriculture course (501/1411/6) with HCC including the unit ‘Principles of Woodlands, Forestry and Ecology’, you will only have to complete one of the optional units for this ABC Level 2 Certificate in Forestry course (601/3582/7).

If you have completed the ABC Level 2 Certificate in Arboriculture course (501/1411/6) with HCC excluding the unit ‘Principles of Woodlands, Forestry and Ecology’, you will have to complete this unit plus one of the two options above – this is because ‘Principles of Woodlands, Forestry and Ecology’ is a mandatory unit for the Forestry course.

If you have completed ABC Level 2 Certificate in Arboriculture course (501/1411/6) with another training provider and wish to obtain the Forestry certificate, you will be required to submit a copy of your completed certificate and unit breakdown. You may also be required complete additional exercises to ensure that you have covered the required assessment criteria for credit transfer. Please contact us for details.

If needed you have 2 years to complete the course. Many students are able to complete this course in approximately 12-18 months*.

*Timescales are approximate and depend upon application and motivation.

ABC and RFS qualifications:

Assessment is through a portfolio of completed coursework. When you pass all six units you will be awarded:

ABC Level 2 Certificate in Forestry¹ 

The ABC qualification covers the theory component of and can lead to the:

RFS Certificate in Forestry

To gain the full RFS certificate – widely recognised throughout the forestry industry and strongly advised for those pursuing a related career – you will also need to complete a suite of practical competence tests. For details of  how to apply for the RFS Certificate in Forestry please click here.

¹  The ABC fee of £70.40 should be paid when you enrol on the course, but no later than 30 days after your enrolment date. The ABC fee is correct at time of publishing.

• With further practical experience, you could work in the public and/or private sector as a forester or in other related jobs.
• Do you already work in forestry, or in the environmental services section within a local authority? Successful completion of this course would demonstrate a sound theoretical understanding of forestry to your current or prospective employers/clients.
• You could gain the full RFS Certificate in Forestry by completing the relevant practical competence tests (see details in the ‘Qualifications’ section)

You do not need previous gardening or arboricultural knowledge or experience to enrol on this course.