Farmers, land managers, and advisors will have the opportunity to study part-time, higher education short courses designed to help navigate changes in upland farming and environmental land management.

Starting September, six accredited modules will be offered by the University of Cumbria.

The first three modules will cover Mapping Environmental Assets, Farm Business Opportunities, and Upland Farming for Net Zero.

These will be followed by Collaborative Practice in the Uplands, Trees on Farms and Fells, and Improving Efficiency and Productivity.

Julia Aglionby, Professor in Practice at the University’s Centre for National Parks & Protected Areas (CNPPA), said: “We’ve developed the modules, in conjunction with the farming and conservation sectors, at a critical time for upland land managers and farmers.

"It’s about skilling up to best respond to rapid changes in farming policy, funding and upland environmental land management and comes when food and energy security, and climate change, are in clear focus for society and communities around the world."

The courses will be delivered by the university’s Institute of Science and Environment.

Each module consists of 24 hours of tuition spread over eight weeks.

Teaching methods will include a mix of workshops, online evening lectures, and farm visits.

Course development has been supported by organisations including Ernest Cook Trust; The Farmer Network; RSPB, National Trust; Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership and the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission, along with Skills Hub Cumbria and the Department for Education’s Strategic Development Fund.

The courses will be offered at a reduced cost of £500, with some free, sponsored places available.