Black Mountains College (BMC) is not your average college. Set in natural surroundings and community spaces of Treherbert in the Rhondda valleys, BMC offers a fresh and practical approach to learning that’s all about the future – for you, your community, and the planet.
In partnership with Welcome to Our Woods and NPTC Group, we offer hands-on training in nature-based skills that are in high demand and are vital in today’s world. All qualifications are widely recognised and accredited by City and Guilds.
BMC currently runs four fully-funded vocational Diplomas at our Treherbert Campus:
- Level 1 in Land-Based Studies
- Level 2 in Forestry & Arboriculture
- Level 2 in Nature Restoration
- Level 2 in Regenerative Horticulture
These courses are open to anyone aged 16 or over – there are no entry requirements and no upper age limit, just a desire to learn and be part of positive change. Whether you’re leaving school, changing careers, or returning to learning, these courses help you build skills that really matter. There are no exams – you’ll learn by doing, in small supportive groups.
You won’t be stuck in a classroom – you’ll be outdoors, learning how to grow food sustainably, care for woodlands, restore nature, and look after our land. Alongside practical skills, you’ll learn how your work connects to wider challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and creating fairer communities.
Courses run from September to July, during term time only. Study hours are 9am–3pm, three days a week – family-friendly and flexible for other commitments.
Our students have gone on to setup their own businesses, work with local organisations, or find employment in National Parks, Wildlife Trusts, Woodland Trusts or on Organic Farms. The skills you learn here open up a world of career opportunities.
At BMC, we believe education should be accessible to everyone. Our goal is to help you find a meaningful path that works with nature, not against it. If you’re passionate about the planet, curious about working outdoors, or just ready for something different – this could be for you. Learn more and apply: www.blackmountainscollege.uk