BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture - Pathway: Forestry - Mandatory and Recommended Units

Oct 20, 2026

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture outlines pathway options for learners choosing either Forestry or Arboriculture routes. For the Forestry pathway, it specifies 12 mandatory units and 3 recommended optional units, covering professional responsibilities, plant and soil science, tree identification, planting and care, tree felling, timber conservation, work experience, estate skills, pruning and maintenance, pests and diseases, machinery operations, and aerial arboriculture. It also lists complementary Lantra Awards legislative tests and notes that most content aligns with the BTEC specification.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Forestry pathway

Mandatory units

Recommended optional units

Arboriculture pathway

Mandatory units

Recommended optional units

Lantra Awards complementary programmes

General Forestry and Arboriculture study pathway Learners can also choose to take a Forestry and Arboriculture pathway, an ideal option for learners unsure of which route they prefer or those considering further higher level study. WooConForelanrvrydatiWonorkficer 􀀟 Timber Manager TreeConrboltaniculture 􀀟 Tree Surgeon Arboricultural Surveyor PE UK A2021e Occupations: Woodland Conservation Officer Forestry Worker Timber Manager © shutterstock/ Mikael Damkier BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture (1080 GLH) Pathway: Forestry. Learners complete 12 mandatory and 3 optional units. Mandatory units: • Professional Working Responsibilities • Plant and Soil Science • Contemporary Issues in the Land-based Sectors • Identification, Planting and Care of Trees • Tree-felling Activities • Timber Conservation and Utilisation • Work Experience in the Land-based Sectors • Estate Skills • Tree and Shrub Pruning and Maintenance • Tree Pests and Diseases • Forestry and Arboricultural Machinery Operations • Aerial Arboriculture Skills Recommended optional units: • Woodland Management • Forestry Recreation • Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Management | | Lantra Awards Legislative Tests/Skills-based Programmes | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | The following Lantra Awards courses complement your BTEC Nationals in Forestry | | | | | and Arboriculture course, offering your learners additional key work-based skills to help them pursue a career in this sector. | | Skills Card | Lantra Course Length
Variable
Variable
1 Day
1 Day | | Lantra Awards Level 2 Award in Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross-Cutting* Y Lantra Awards Level 2 Award in Felling and Processing Trees up to 380mm* Y Lantra Awards Technical Award in All Terrain Vehicle-Sit-In Conventional Steer* Y Lantra Awards Technical Award in Off Road Vehicle Operating (4 x 4) Y | | | | | | | | | *Majority of content covered within BTEC Level 3 Nationals Extended Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture – see specification or Lantra Awards assessment guidance for full details. For help or advice about BTEC Nationals or Lantra Awards please go to: [support.pearson.com/uk/s/qualification-contactus or telephone 020 7010 2173](support.pearson.com/uk/s/qualification-contactus or telephone 020 7010 2173) . 􀀞 Occupations: Tree/Arboriculture Consultant Tree Surgeon Arboricultural Surveyor © shutter stock/Marsan BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture (1080 GLH) Pathway: Arboriculture. Learners complete 12 mandatory and 3 optional units. Mandatory units: • Professional Working Responsibilities • Plant and Soil Science • Contemporary Issues in the Land-based Sectors • Identification, Planting and Care of Trees • Tree-felling Activities • Trees in Urban Environments • Work Experience in the Land-based Sectors • Estate Skills • Tree and Shrub Pruning and Maintenance • Tree Pests and Diseases • Forestry and Arboricultural Machinery Operations • Forestry and Silviculture Recommended optional units: • Survey, Measuring and Inspecting Trees • Woodland Management • Developing a Land-based Enterprise | | Lantra Awards Legislative Tests/Skills-based Programmes | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | The following Lantra Awards courses complement your BTEC Nationals in Forestry | | | | | and Arboriculture course, offering your learners additional key work-based skills to help them pursue a career in this sector. | | Skills Card | Lantra Course Length
Variable
Variable
Variable
Variable | | Lantra Awards Level 2 Award in Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross-Cutting* Y Lantra Awards Level 2 Award in Felling and Processing Trees up to 380mm* Y Lantra Awards Level 2 Award in Accessing a Tree using a Rope and Harness* Y Lantra Awards Level 3 Award in Aerial Tree Rescue Operations Y | | | | | | | | | *Majority of content co

FAQs

What does the BTEC Level 3 Forestry pathway require in terms of units?

Learners complete 12 mandatory units and 3 optional units on the Forestry pathway.

Which mandatory topics are covered in the Forestry pathway?

Topics include professional working responsibilities, plant and soil science, tree identification, planting and care, tree felling activities, timber conservation and utilisation, work experience, estate skills, pruning and maintenance, pests and diseases, machinery operations, and aerial arboriculture skills.

How do Lantra Awards relate to the BTEC Forestry and Arboriculture qualifications?

Lantra Awards courses complement the BTEC Nationals by providing additional key work-based skills, and the document notes that most content is covered within the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma specification, with full details available in the relevant guidance.

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by WPS_1786070896