A practical Level 2 qualification for young people who want to understand, investigate, and protect the natural world.
If your child is fascinated by wildlife, notices the changing seasons, loves identifying species or wants to understand more about the environments around them, the Level 2 Certificate in Natural History & Conservation gives them the opportunity to take that interest further.
Learners will explore natural history, wildlife, ecology and conservation through a combination of online learning and practical experiences in the natural world.
Designed for learners aged 12 and up, it is a chance to turn curiosity about nature into deeper scientific understanding, practical skills and a meaningful Level 2 qualification.
Starts 18th January 2027
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The Level 2 Certificate in Natural History & Conservation is designed for young people who want to develop their knowledge of wildlife, species, habitats, ecology and conservation.
It may particularly suit learners who enjoy practical, hands-on study and want to develop real Natural History skills through observation, identification, fieldwork and investigation.
It may be a good fit for your child if they:
have a strong interest in wildlife, nature, ecology or conservation
enjoy observing, investigating and learning about the natural world
learn particularly well through practical, hands-on or project-based study
are home educated or following a flexible educational pathway
want to progress from another Adventure Green environmental qualification
would benefit from demonstrating their knowledge through practical work and a portfolio rather than traditional examinations
are interested in further environmental study, volunteering or a future green career
Learners don't need to have followed one particular educational pathway to benefit from the qualification. For some, it may be their next step after another Adventure Green programme. For others, it may be the first opportunity they have had to turn an existing interest in wildlife and the natural world into structured Level 2 study.
It has been designed to be accessible to a broad range of young people, including those who may demonstrate their knowledge and skills more effectively through practical work, field studies and coursework.
That might include young people who are neurodivergent, experience anxiety or fluctuating health conditions, are home educated, or simply learn best through hands-on and project-based study.
Accessibility does not mean reducing expectations.
Every learner works towards the same Level 2 standard and learning outcomes. The difference is in how they are given the opportunity to demonstrate what they know.
Got questions about eligibility? Get in touch
The Level 2 Certificate in Natural History & Conservation is a new qualification being developed with Open Awards for young people who want to study wildlife, ecology, Natural History and conservation at Level 2.
Level: Level 2 (GCSE equivalent)
Awarding body: Open Awards
Age: 12+
Delivery: Online learning with practical fieldwork
Assessment: Portfolio-based, with no traditional written exams
Fieldwork: Completed through organised field study opportunities or supervised fieldwork in the learner's local environment
Duration: One year (2-2.5 hours per week)
The qualification combines the study of Natural History with its practical application through conservation.
Natural History develops learners' knowledge and understanding of the natural world through observation, species identification, ecology and field study.
Conservation builds on this by exploring the pressures facing wildlife and how species and habitats can be protected, restored and managed.
The qualification is being developed with Open Awards as a substantial Level 2 programme combining scientific knowledge, independent investigation, practical fieldwork and conservation action.
It has been designed to provide an academically credible route for young people who want to study the natural world in greater depth, while providing an alternative to qualifications that rely primarily on traditional examinations.
Please note: Level 2 Certificate in Natural History & Conservation is currently a working title. The final title, Level 2 equivalency and qualification details will be confirmed following the Open Awards development and approval process.
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We've seen more and more young people develop a genuine interest in wildlife, conservation and the natural world through Adventure Green, with many wanting somewhere to take that interest next.
We wanted to create a meaningful progression route that moves beyond introductory conservation into Natural History, ecology, biodiversity, field studies and environmental stewardship, while offering a practical, portfolio-assessed route to Level 2 achievement.
Natural History is also gaining greater national recognition.
The upcoming Natural History GCSE will be the first new GCSE subject introduced in many years, bringing greater attention to areas such as nature observation, species identification and environmental awareness.
Our qualification has a different assessment model and purpose, but reflects this growing recognition of Natural History as an important area of environmental education, giving young people another way to develop their knowledge and practical skills in this field.
This qualification isn't simply about learning the names of plants and animals.
It is about developing the knowledge and skills to look more closely at the natural world, investigate how it works and understand what can be done to protect it.
Throughout the qualification, learners progress from observing and identifying nature to investigating habitats, interpreting their findings and taking practical conservation action.
Learners will develop their understanding of species, habitats, ecology and biodiversity.
They’ll explore how plants, animals, fungi and other organisms interact, how ecosystems function and how factors such as seasonal and environmental change can affect the natural world.
They’ll also examine some of the pressures facing wildlife and habitats, including biodiversity loss, pollution, habitat fragmentation, invasive species and climate change.
The aim is to help learners move beyond simply recognising what they see to understanding how and why the natural world works as it does.
Learners will develop skills they can take outside and use.
They’ll learn how to observe and identify species, keep accurate field records, investigate habitats, use survey techniques and collect and interpret data.
As their confidence grows, they’ll start using recognised Natural History fieldwork methods such as habitat surveys, species counts, quadrats and transects where appropriate.
These experiences allow learners to begin developing the practical skills used within Natural History, ecology and conservation.
Natural History starts with curiosity.
What species is this? Why is it growing here? What else lives in this habitat? What has changed since my last visit?
Learners will be encouraged to ask their own questions and gradually develop the skills to investigate them.
Through research, observation, fieldwork and reflection, they’ll develop transferable skills including independent enquiry, recording, analysis, problem solving and critical thinking.
Throughout the qualification, learners build a Natural History Portfolio documenting their work.
Rather than their achievement being represented only by a final grade, they finish with a substantial collection of field observations, species records, investigations, photographs, habitat studies and conservation work that shows the knowledge and practical skills they have developed.
It's something tangible they can look back on and be proud of.
For some young people, the qualification will deepen an interest they already have. For others, it could be the beginning of a much longer journey.
Learners will develop knowledge and transferable skills that can support progression into further environmental study, volunteering, conservation projects and future green pathways.
They also finish with something less easy to measure: the ability to notice more, understand more and see themselves as someone who can make a positive contribution to the natural world.
If you want to secure your child's place you can do so today - either enrol and pay a deposit or book a call and talk it through.
Making a qualification accessible shouldn't mean making it less meaningful.
Learners are still expected to work towards Level 2 standards and demonstrate their knowledge and understanding throughout the qualification.
What changes is the way they can demonstrate it.
Instead of relying on performance in a traditional examination, evidence is built through practical fieldwork, independent investigation, conservation activities and a substantial portfolio developed over time.
The standard remains the same. The way learners demonstrate their learning is different.
This is a rigorous and meaningful Level 2 pathway that gives more young people the opportunity to take their interest in the natural world seriously and discover where it could take them next.
The qualification takes learners through a progressive Natural History journey.
They begin by learning to slow down, notice and record the natural world before developing the skills to identify species, understand ecological relationships and undertake their own field investigations.
As their knowledge and confidence grow, the focus moves towards conservation, environmental responsibility and how they can use what they've learned to make a positive difference.
Learners begin by exploring what Natural History is, why it matters and how naturalists study the world around them.
They develop observation and recording skills, learn about safe and ethical wildlife observation and establish a local study site where they can begin noticing and recording changes over time.
This is also where they begin their Natural History Portfolio and field notebook.
Next, learners develop the skills to recognise, identify and accurately record species.
They explore plants, trees, birds, mammals, invertebrates and fungi while learning how field guides, identification keys and digital resources can help them identify what they find.
They'll begin building their own species records through photographs, sketches, field notes and seasonal observations.
Once learners can begin identifying what they see, they explore how the different parts of the natural world fit together.
They investigate habitats and ecosystems, biodiversity, food chains and food webs and relationships such as pollination, competition, predator-prey relationships and mutualism.
They also begin comparing habitats and considering the environmental factors that influence which species live where.
Learners then develop the skills to carry out more structured Natural History investigations.
They are introduced to recognised fieldwork methods such as quadrats, transects, species counts and habitat surveys, learning how to select appropriate equipment, collect and record data and interpret their findings.
This is where learners begin moving from simply observing nature to investigating their own questions about it.
With a stronger understanding of species, habitats and ecology, learners explore some of the pressures facing the natural world.
They consider biodiversity loss, habitat fragmentation, pollution, agriculture, forestry, invasive species and climate change, alongside approaches including habitat restoration, species recovery and rewilding.
Learners also identify opportunities for conservation in their own local environment and take part in practical conservation action.
Finally, learners bring together everything they have discovered throughout the qualification.
They explore the relationship between nature connection and conservation, consider the role individuals can play in protecting the environment and identify opportunities to continue contributing through conservation and citizen science.
Learners will reflect on how their own knowledge and skills have developed, complete their Natural History Portfolio and create a personal environmental stewardship plan for what comes next.
The Level 2 Certificate in Natural History & Conservation combines flexible online learning with practical experiences in the natural world.
Learners build their knowledge through online course content, then take that learning outside to observe species, investigate habitats, complete fieldwork and gather evidence for their Natural History Portfolio.
Learners will explore Natural History, ecology and conservation through accessible online content, covering species, habitats, biodiversity, environmental change, fieldwork and conservation.
Alongside this, they'll spend time outdoors putting their knowledge into practice. They might identify species, record seasonal changes, compare habitats or use fieldwork techniques to carry out their own investigations.
Learning isn't confined to the screen. The online and practical elements work together, helping learners understand what they're studying through real experience.
Practical fieldwork is a core part of the qualification, but that doesn't mean travelling to a particular location on fixed dates.
Learners can complete the required fieldwork through organised field study opportunities or equivalent guided investigations in their local environment, supervised by a parent, carer, tutor or other responsible adult.
That could mean studying a garden, park, woodland, wetland, urban green space or coastal habitat. Both fieldwork routes work towards the same learning outcomes and assessment criteria.
Parents and carers won't be expected to teach Natural History or design field investigations themselves.
We'll provide a comprehensive Field Study Guide with step-by-step instructions, risk assessments, recording sheets and suggested locations, so you and your child know what's required.
Your role, as a parent, carer, tutor or centre staff, is to supervise and confirm that the fieldwork has been completed. This approach maintains the practical integrity of the qualification while ensuring that learners can engage in authentic field studies in environments that are familiar, accessible and meaningful to them.
Adventure Green will provide the course content, activities and guidance your child needs to complete their learning and fieldwork.
Natural History is a practical subject, so learners will receive resources designed to help them take their learning beyond the screen and into the natural world. We're currently developing a Natural History Field Kit alongside a collection of practical course resources that learners can use throughout the qualification.
The Field Kit includes equipment learners can use to observe, identify, measure and investigate, such as:
waterproof field notebook
hand lens and magnifier
measuring equipment
identification resources
fieldwork and survey equipment
Learners will also have access to resources to guide their investigations and help them build their Natural History Portfolio, including:
Field Study Guide
seasonal recording sheets
species recording sheets
habitat survey forms
phenology calendar
nature challenge cards
citizen science guidance
Together, these resources will help learners develop the habits and practical skills of a naturalist, from recording their first observations to carrying out more structured field investigations.
The Natural History Field Kit is currently in development. Final contents will be confirmed before the qualification launches.
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Will my child know what they need to do? What happens if they get stuck? How will they know if their portfolio is on the right track?
We know that choosing a flexible online qualification can raise questions for both learners and parents.
Adventure Green learners are supported throughout their journey, from getting started to completing their final portfolio.
Learners will have access to 1 hour of live sessions per week, alongside guidance to help them work through the course content, practical fieldwork and Natural History Portfolio.
They'll receive tutor feedback as they progress, helping them understand what they're doing well, where they may need to add more evidence and what they need to do next.
If a learner needs more time to complete an activity or life gets in the way, our flexible approach means you can catch-up in your own time as well as take as long as you need to finish.
You won't be expected to become a Natural History expert to support your child.
We'll provide clear guidance around practical activities and fieldwork, including the Field Study Guide, so you understand what's required when supervising learning outside.
And if you're unsure about the course, your child's progress or what they need to do next, the Adventure Green team will be there to help.
Total Cost: The total cost for the course is £625, this includes all tuition, qualification registration, assessment and certification fees.
Flexible Payment Plan: You can choose a payment plan with 12 payments of £52.10 spread over a year, making it more accessible. You can choose to set up the payment plan now or pay a deposit of £52.10 and start the payment plan in January.
The course commences on the 18th January 2026 and runs over one year.
The Level 2 Certificate in Natural History & Conservation is designed to be academically rigorous while recognising that traditional examinations aren't the only way for young people to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding.
Instead of preparing for a final written exam, learners build evidence of their knowledge and practical skills throughout the qualification.
Assessment can include:
practical fieldwork
observations and field records
scientific investigations
practical conservation activities
portfolio tasks
reflections and evaluations
photographs, survey results, maps and other supporting evidence
This means learners demonstrate what they know by applying it, whether that's accurately identifying species, investigating a habitat, interpreting field data or planning and carrying out conservation action.
The portfolio-based approach has been designed to remove unnecessary barriers to achievement, not reduce the level of challenge.
Learners are still expected to meet the required Level 2 learning outcomes and assessment criteria throughout the qualification.
The standard remains the same. The way learners demonstrate their learning is different.
The Natural History Portfolio is a personal record that grows alongside the learner throughout the qualification, bringing together the places they've explored, the species they've discovered and the skills they've developed.
By the end of the course, they'll have created something that resembles a genuine naturalist's notebook:
Field notebook • Seasonal journal • Species records • Habitat surveys • Photographs • Sketches • Maps • Field investigations • Conservation action • Independent investigation
The portfolio serves as both a record of their own local environment and how their understanding of it has grown over time.
It's something tangible they can look back on and be proud of, while also providing evidence of the knowledge and practical skills they've developed throughout the qualification.
For some young people, the Level 2 Certificate in Natural History & Conservation will be an opportunity to take an existing interest further.
For others, it could help them discover an area of the natural world they want to continue studying.
The qualification has been designed to develop scientific knowledge, practical field skills and transferable skills including observation, research, investigation, recording and analysis, creating a foundation learners can continue building on.
The qualification creates another step within Adventure Green's growing environmental learning pathway.
Learners may progress to Natural History & Conservation after completing our Level 1 Conservation programme, building on their introductory conservation knowledge through deeper study of Natural History, ecology and fieldwork.
It can also complement our Nature Connection & Wellbeing qualifications, moving from developing a relationship with the natural world towards understanding its species and ecosystems and learning how to protect them.
For learners who have completed our existing Level 2 Conservation Programme, the course provides an opportunity to broaden and deepen their knowledge through Natural History, scientific fieldwork and independent investigation.
Learners may also be able to progress towards further Adventure Green study, including our Level 3 Diploma in Sustainability & Green Skills, where appropriate.
The qualification can also provide a foundation for young people considering:
Further study
College
Volunteering
Citizen science
Environmental projects
Green careers eg Conservation, ecology, sustainability
Not every learner needs to know where their interest will eventually take them.
For now, the important step is giving them the opportunity to explore it, develop meaningful knowledge and practical experience, and discover where they might want to go next
For the young person who is always noticing, questioning and wanting to know more, the Level 2 Certificate in Natural History & Conservation gives that curiosity somewhere to go.
Give them the opportunity to look closer, understand the natural world more deeply and develop practical skills that could become the foundation for further study, volunteering or a future green pathway.
Most importantly, help them see that their interest in wildlife and the environment is something worth taking seriously.
You don't have to work that out alone. If you'd like to talk through your child's interests, learning needs or whether the qualification would be a good fit, speak to Georgina.