Module Identifier RD15630  
Module Title PRACTICAL ESTATE SKILLS  
Academic Year 2003/2004  
Co-ordinator Mr Michael Barrett  
Semester Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)  
Course delivery Practical   2 x 8 hour practicals per week  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment Assessment of practical skills: Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3, 5.  60%
Semester Assessment Group Projects : Outcomes assessed 1, 2, 4.  20%
Semester Assessment Planning and costing assignment: Outcomes assessed: 4.  20%

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Outcome 1
Demonstrate safe working practices and compliance with health and safety legislation   
Performance criteria:
a. Practical work tasks are carried out safely
b. Safety clothing is worn on all appropriate occasions
c. Knowledge of health and safety requirements is demonstrated
Ranges:
Personnel - Contractors, employees, peers, public, volunteers
Clothing - Footwear, gloves, hats, ear and eye protection
Legislation - COSHH, Health and Safety At Work Act 1974
   

Outcome 2
Demonstrate the necessary practical skills to undertake essential countryside tasks in a safe, competent and efficient manner.
Performance criteria:
a. Countryside practical tasks are performed
b. Basic woodworking skills are demonstrated
c. Tools are maintained, selected, used and transported to and from site safely.
Ranges:
Tasks - Post and wire fencing, post and rail fencing, stile installation, tree planting, or closely related tasks
Woodwork - a stile
Tools - Hand tools, maintenance at start and end of use

Outcome 3
Demonstrate the necessary skill to use and maintain mechanical equipment associated with countryside management tasks safely.
Performance criteria:
a. The uses of mechanical equipment are understood
b. Basic operations with mechanical equipment are performed
c. Routine maintenance procedures are identified
Ranges:
Uses - The application of several hand held and machine-mounted power tools
Operation and maintenance of at least one hand held power tool.

Outcome 4
Evaluate and plan a practical project.
Performance criteria:
a. The potential benefits are evaluated.
b. The task is planned, taking into account the site and any legal constraints.
c. Suitable scenarios are presented.
d. Materials are specified.
e. Time/labour requirements are estimated.
f. Costs/benefits are estimated.
Ranges:
At least one from the following: wooden footbridge; boundary maintenance; greenwood working.

Outcome 5   
Use maps.
Performance criteria:
a. Map symbols are interpreted
b. Contours are used to identify landforms
c. Grid References are used to find and refer to locations
d. Map and compass are used to navigate on the ground
Ranges:
Scale - Ordnance Survey 1:10,000, 1:25,000, 1:50,000
Situation - Lowland

Brief description

Practical estate work is often the first step in a career in countryside management. Such experience develops practical skills and knowledge, accompanied by a sense of pride in one?s work and self confidence. It also provides first-hand experience of the countryside. An essential element of practical estate work is the fulfillment of legal obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974). These skills and knowledge are an integral part of many areas of the profession. The countryside manager may also find his/her role includes supervision of craftsmen and volunteers. Clearly a sound knowledge and experience of practical work methods would be an advantage. The module includes: carrying out practical estate work to a competent standard safely and efficiently; leading volunteers safely with confidence and enthusiasm; helping to understand the countryside resource and its management; evaluating and costing projects in the implementation of management plans.

Many of these skills form a fundamental part of the industrial placement and thus this module plays a critical role in preparing students for this period and in increasing their employment prospects.

Transferable skills

.1 Independent project work
Written costings assignment

.3 Use and analysis of numerical information
Written costings assignment

.5 Oral discussion and presentation
Team projects

.6 Careers need awareness
All the learning activities in this module are directly related to commercial practice and consequently provide a very effective means of raising career awareness.

.7 Self-management
Time-management, motivation, and self-discipline are all essential requirements in this module.

.8 Group activity
Students are required to work in groups throughout the module.

Reading Lists

Books
Abbott, M Greenwood crafts
British Trust for Conservation Volunteers Practical handbooks: Hedging; Fencing; Tool Care; Tree Planting and Aftercare; Woodlands

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4