Environmental Conservation

Highlights

Our BSc (Hons) Environmental Conservation is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Science (IES). You can begin your journey to become a Chartered Environmentalist and/or Chartered Scientist. Excellent field facilities include Treborth Botanic Garden which benefits from diverse habitats and soil types and includes an area of woodland designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Research-informed teaching draws on our world-leading expertise in environmental conservation. Access to woodlands and farmland at our 252-hectare Henfaes Research Centre for field work and research in environmental science, conservation, lowland agriculture and hill farming, forestry, and hydrology. Excellent teaching facilities with specialist labs.

Develop research skills, including field, lab and computer-based techniques, on fieldwork in locations as diverse as Eryri (aka Snowdonia) and Tenerife.

Course overview

As climate change is recognised as the single biggest threat to both global biodiversity and human health, governments and organisations are increasingly seeking to implement environmental conservation initiatives to support the wellbeing of humans and the Earth’s ecosystems. At Bangor University, our world-leading research is already helping to address the complex challenges caused by global environmental change, biodiversity loss, soil degradation, and unsustainable use of natural resources. Our academics have garnered a global reputation for their work assessing interactions between humans and the environment and translating conservation science research into effective management and policy interventions.

Bangor - a natural outdoor laboratory - is an ideal place to study environmental conservation as our location provides easy access to a wide range of natural environments, from the North Wales coastline to the varied landscape of Eryri National Park with its long history of multiple agricultural land use, mining, and quarrying. Fieldwork is an integral part of this degree with opportunities for residential trips overseas and locally, including a summer bioblitz exercise. We also take full advantage of the outstanding facilities at Henfaes Research Centre and Treborth Botanic Garden, which houses Europe’s largest ground soil and plant root laboratory and supports ex-situ conservation programmes for threatened Welsh micro-endemics.

Conservation of Treborth's grassland and woodland habitats support its many native animals and more than 2,000 plant species have been recorded here. The interdisciplinary BSc (Hons) Environmental Conservation draws on our expertise across the natural and social sciences. This includes conservation, ecology, environmental science, forestry, and zoology.

It focuses on developing practical, technical and professional knowledge and skills - from animal and vegetations surveys and species mapping to landscape ecology and environmental consultancy. Bangor University is home to the Environment Centre for Wales and Welsh branches of the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology and British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). We have strong links with Natural Resources Wales, Dŵr Cymru/Welsh Water, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and North Wales Wildlife Trust, whose regional offices are based in Bangor.

Our links with these organisations help you gain a better understanding of professional-level conservation practice. You’ll have opportunities to hear from professionals working in the field, from those based locally, such as the BTO, RSPB and Woodland Trust, right through to international conservation practitioners like Save the Elephants and Chester Zoo. We also work closely with Natural England, Eryri National Park Authority, the Environment Agency and Forestry Commission.

Some contribute to teaching and offer opportunities for work placements. One of the highlights of the BSc (Hons) Environmental Conservation degree is our research-informed teaching and…