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About
This Lantra-accredited Customised Award is exclusively developed and delivered by a Lantra-approved Training Provider, who meets our quality standards. The course is specifically tailored to meet learners’ needs. For further details about the course content and delivery locations, please contact the Training Provider using the details provided below.
The minimum age to undertake this course is 16.
Developed with input from practitioners and based on current best practice, the course provides clear, accessible guidance for those working in the field. It supports learners in contributing effectively to local eradication efforts, whether as individuals or as part of a wider land management team.
The finer details
The course includes narrated video lessons, a downloadable workbook, open-book knowledge checks, and a final multiple-choice assessment. Learners are guided through the life cycle of the plant, how and why it spreads, and the strengths and limitations of different management techniques. Legal considerations, biosecurity, personal protective equipment, and site-specific decision-making are also explored. The course is structured to support a wide range of learners, from new volunteers to experienced practitioners seeking to refresh or formalise their knowledge.Delivery method
OnlineRecognised by
Lantra AwardsCourse description:
Who should attend?
This course is suited to volunteers, rangers, landowners, contractors, ecologists, council staff, trainees, and others involved in invasive species management, habitat restoration, or maintaining parks, estates, and access land in the UK and Ireland.What will be covered?
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Accurately identify Himalayan Balsam at all key life stages, including seeds, seedlings, mature plants, flowers, and seed pods
- Understand the ecological impacts of Himalayan Balsam on native species and habitats
- Recognise the mechanisms of spread, including seed dispersal, waterborne transport, and environmental adaptation
- Select and apply appropriate management techniques, including hand pulling, mowing, brushcutting, and targeted chemical control
- Make informed decisions based on plant density, site conditions, access limitations, and seasonal timing
- Follow current legal responsibilities related to invasive species, pesticide use, and site access
- Apply biosecurity and PPE protocols to prevent spread and ensure safe operations
- Understand how to work toward local eradication goals, including follow-up monitoring and secondary germination control
- Reflect on the importance of seed bank management and long-term planning in invasive species work
- Contribute effectively to community, organisational, or council-led efforts to manage and reduce Himalayan Balsam
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