Skills Bootcamp Urban Greening for a Biodiverse West of England Skills Bootcamp

Course code
Z51000222
Level
Professional/Short Course
School
School of Architecture and Environment
Campus
Frenchay
Duration
10 weeks
Delivery
In-person
Course Director
Dr Heather Rumble and Professor Danielle Sinnett

About

Urban spaces are evolving, and the West of England is at the heart of this transformation. Our Urban Greening for a Biodiverse West of England Skills Bootcamp is designed for professionals in the sector who are looking to deepen their understanding of urban biodiversity and apply innovative greening techniques to their work.

Unlike broader environmental courses, this programme is uniquely rooted in the specific challenges and opportunities of the West of England, providing an in-depth look at local ecosystems, planning strategies, and biodiversity initiatives. Learners will gain not just theoretical insights but also hands-on experience through an afternoon of site visits to urban greening projects, seeing first-hand how these principles are put into practice.

Our Skills Bootcamps combine subject knowledge with practical application, allowing learners to apply their learning directly back into their role and organisation to enhance their capabilities and create immediate impact.

This course is ideal for:

  • Planning officers: Develop a sharper strategic overview, confidently assess Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) proposals, identify suitable project partners, and strengthen negotiation skills.
  • Development surveyors: Gain enhanced confidence in commissioning and quality-controlling BNG assessments, as well as managing maintenance and long-term stewardship plans.
  • Ecologists: Expand into urban biodiversity work, take on a greater variety of projects, and refine your ability to provide expert advice on NBS.
  • Architects and landscape architects: Improve integration of NBS in early specifications, take on more diverse projects, and enhance stakeholder engagement for sustainable urban development.

View our programme brochure (PDF) for or full details, including session content and dates, or contact bootcamps@uwe.ac.uk. 

Entry requirements

Due to funding restrictions, all learners must meet the following criteria:

  • Be aged 19+ (by 16 September 2025).
  • Live or work for an organisation based in in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset or North Somerset (we will also consider applicants who live close to these boundaries).
  • Not currently be in full-time or part-time education.
  • Have the right to live and work in the UK.
  • Have not registered and attended (including partial completion) any other Skills Bootcamp since September 2025 from any provider.   

How to apply

Want to find out more?

If you would like to find out more about our skills Bootcamps or have an enquiry, please complete our Skills Bootcamp Enquiry Form and a member of the team will be in touch.

Ready to Apply?

If you have checked our Entry Requirements above and are ready to apply for this Skills Bootcamp please complete the Urban Greening for a Biodiverse West of England Skills Bootcamp Application Form.

For further information

Structure

Content

Our Skills Bootcamp is structured through a mixture of live tutor led interactive sessions, site visits and self-study resources. Tutors include UWE Bristol staff with decades of experience in urban greening alongside expert practitioners based in the region. 

In addition, learners will be supported by an industry mentor who has extensive experience of working within the sector.  

Across the ten weeks, you will explore themes including:  

  • Understanding urban ecology and co-benefits for people  
  • Understanding of BNG requirements  
  • Identifying objectives for biodiversity and habitat opportunity mapping  
  • Understanding interactions between GI and BNG
  • Identifying opportunities, and negotiating, for planning to secure BNG
  • Ensuring long-term maintenance/stewardship

Prices and dates

Supplementary fee information

November 2025 cohort

Application deadline:  Wednesday 22 October 2025

Programme start date: Wednesday 5 November 2025

To be informed of upcoming cohort dates, please contact us at bootcamps@uwe.ac.uk or complete our expression of interest form via the Apply Now button and one of the team will be in touch.

Bootcamp fees

This Skills Bootcamp has limited spaces available for large organisations and SME employees.  

90% government-funded for SME employers  (including charities and CICs).

This Skills Bootcamp is heavily subsidised, with the government covering 90% of the total cost for eligible learners applying through their SME employer.The full course fee is £3,518.10, but SME employers pay just 10% - only £351.81 per learner.  

70% government-funded for large organisation employers  (including charities and CICs). 

This Skills Bootcamp is heavily subsidised, with the government covering 70% of the total cost for eligible learners applying through their SME employer.The full course fee is £3,518.10, but large employers pay just 30% - only £1,055.43 per learner.  

Please note: This Bootcamp is currently open only to applicants sponsored by large organisations or SME employers. If you're an independent learner or self-employed, please complete the Expression of Interest form in the How to Apply section so we can notify you about future availability.

The Skills Bootcamps Programme is funded and managed by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and delivered by UWE Bristol. 

Page last updated 13 October 2025