Land reclamation and restoration is designed to meet the increasing demands to manage and restore greenfield and brownfield sites to the amenity, natural habitat or agricultural use engendered by UK Government and EU directives. Industry acknowledges the need for highly-trained engineers and science based professionals able to implement management strategies in response to these demands.
Cranfield University in Cranfield, England offers courses for graduate students and working professionals Land Reclamation & Restoration.
Accredited by the Institute of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE) and the Landscape Institute, this course aims to provide the knowledge and skills required to bridge the gap between damaged land and fully restored ecosystems. It provides the skills to assess, plan and implement strategies needed to restore, reclaim and remediate damaged land in the public and corporate sectors. Visits to relevant land reclamation and ecological restoration sites form a major part of the programme.
Suitable for ecology, science, geography and engineering graduates, or professionals from either a science or technical background. The part-time option will allow practitioners to enhance their professional development within their current employment.
The course comprises eight taught modules, an integrated group project, and an individual thesis project. The modules include lectures and tutorials and are assessed through appropriate assignments or exams. There is an emphasis on analysis of real problems, with practical field work to reinforce learning. This provides the ‘tools’ required for the group and individual projects.