Urban Greening for a Biodiverse West of England Skills Bootcamp
Page last updated 17 June 2025
Introduction
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.
To see our programme brochure (PDF) for more detail on the programme and session content, please contact us at bootcamps@uwe.ac.uk
Entry requirements
Our Urban Greening for a Biodiverse West of England Skills Bootcamp is tailored for professionals already working in the sector who are keen to deepen their expertise and enhance their ability to deliver impactful biodiversity and nature-based solutions in urban environments.
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 & landscape architects - Improve integration of NBS in early specifications, take on more diverse projects, and enhance stakeholder engagement for sustainable urban development.
By taking part in this Skills Bootcamp, you'll not only deepen your knowledge but also gain practical insights that can be embedded into your current role or future career aspirationshelping to shape greener, more resilient cities across the West of England.
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.
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 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
September 2025 cohort
Live sessions will take place in-person at Frenchay Campus, Bristol from 09:30-16:30 on the following dates:
Session 1 - Wednesday 1 October 2025
Session 2 - Wednesday 8 October 2025
Session 3 - Wednesday 15 October 2025
Session 4 - Wednesday 22 October 2025
Session 5 - Wednesday 5 November 2025
Session 6 - Wednesday 12 November 2025
Session 7 - Wednesday 19 November 2025
Session 8 - Wednesday 26 November 2025
Session 9 - Wednesday 3 December 2025
Session 10 - Wednesday 10 December 2025
Alongside these sessions, learners will be required to undertake self-study activity and engage with their mentor.
Bootcamp fees
This Skills Bootcamp has limited spaces available for large organisations and SME employees.
90% government-funded for SME employers 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
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 The University of the West of England, Bristol.
How to apply
Please complete our expression of interest form via the Apply Now button and one of the team will be in touch to progress your application.
Application deadline: Monday 15th September 2025.
For further information
- Email: bootcamps@uwe.ac.uk
- Telephone: Please email or use the enquiry form to contact us