Certificate in Sustainable Land Management Bursaries

Applications open 20th October 2026 – 30th November

Investing in the skills our industry needs, now more than ever.

The GWCT Allerton Project is offering bursary opportunities to support organisations and individuals wishing to develop their knowledge and qualifications in sustainable land management.

These bursaries provide access to our BASIS Certificate in Sustainable Land Management (CSLM), helping individuals gain the skills and confidence to support environmentally sustainable and productive farming.

About the scheme

The bursary scheme is designed to make professional training more accessible to individuals who may otherwise face financial barriers to undertaking the qualification.

Applications will be considered based on:

Financial Need: Whether financial circumstances would otherwise prevent or limit access to the course.
Professional Relevance: How the qualification relates to the applicant’s current role or career aspirations.
Practical Application: How the knowledge gained will be used to improve sustainable land management.
Motivation: The applicant’s commitment to completing the qualification and applying their learning.

Bursaries will be awarded through a competitive application process, with applications reviewed against consistent assessment criteria.

Applications Open: 20 October 2026

Applications Close: 30 November 2026

Course Dates: January and February/March 2027

“The course we attended was invaluable for a wider understanding. The venue and trainers were fantastic, I hope they do more courses in the future” DEFRA Delegate April 26

What Does the Course Cover?

The BASIS Certificate in Sustainable Land Management provides an in-depth understanding of sustainable farming and environmental land management, including:

Soil health, nutrient management and sustainable cropping systems.
Water management, biodiversity and farmland habitats.
Agricultural policy, environmental schemes and practical implementation.
Integrating environmental sustainability with productive and profitable farming.

Training combines online learning with practical, in-person sessions at the GWCT Allerton Project demonstration farm in Leicestershire.

Who Should Apply?

We welcome applications from individuals looking to develop their skills and make a positive contribution to sustainable farming and land management, particularly:

Farmers and land managers seeking to improve environmental performance.
Agricultural advisers and professionals working within the farmed environment.
Individuals developing careers in agriculture, conservation or environmental management.
Those who can demonstrate that financial support would enable them to undertake this qualification.

How Are Applications Assessed?

Applications will be reviewed following the closing date of 30 November 2026.

Each application will be assessed against four criteria: financial need (35%), professional relevance (25%), practical application of learning (25%) and motivation (15%).

Submitting an application does not guarantee a bursary award. Successful applicants will be contacted with details of their award and instructions for securing their course place.

We are always happy to accept additional supporting information by email to jclifford@gwct.org.uk

Applications are open from 20 October to 30 November 2026.

Complete the application form below, providing as much relevant information as possible to support your application.

All applications will be reviewed after the closing date, and applicants will be contacted with the outcome.

For further information, or to submit anything further in support of your application please contact jclifford@gwct.org.uk.

Apply for a CSLM Bursary

Take the next step in your professional development. Complete the form below to apply for financial support towards your BASIS Certificate in Sustainable Land Management.

Name(Required)

First Last

Email(Required)

Phone(Required)

Country Phone Number

Business or Organisation(Required)

Please also state if Student, Consultant or Self Employed. If Student state where.

Current Job Title or Occupation

Country or Region(Required)

Your Background and Experience(Required)

Which best describes your current role? Farmer / Land Manager / Agricultural Adviser / Conservation / Student or Early Career / Other

Please briefly describe your experience in agriculture or land management.(Required)

Bursary Application(Required)

Why would you like to undertake the Certificate in Sustainable Land Management?

How is this qualification relevant to your current role or future career aspirations?(Required)

How do you intend to apply the knowledge and skills gained from the course?(Required)

Please explain why you are seeking financial assistance and how receiving a bursary would help you access this training.(Required)

Would you be able to undertake the course without bursary support?(Required)

Course Availability(Required)

Which course would you prefer to attend?

Can you commit to attending all required training sessions and examinations?(Required)

Declaration

I confirm the information provided is accurate and understand that submission does not guarantee a bursary award.

I have read the privacy notice and understand how my application information will be used.

On Site Accommodation

Starting from £75 pn

We have 3 fabulous accommodation pods available on site here at The Allerton Project. Available only to course delegates, visitors and staff. Regulations mean that we do not rent the units as a holiday letting but can provide them alongside venue hire.

To see more information on these please click button below.

Accommodation

The Team

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