Environmental conservation is a wide ranging industry which encompasses the rural and urban conservation of landscapes, flora and fauna, countryside recreation and its management.  It also covers associated landscape management, maintenance and conservation of rivers coast and waterways.  Environmental conservation overlaps with heritage conservation, archaeology and environmental management in its wider sense.  The role of volunteers in the industry is important.

There are approximately 5,000 organisations in the industry, employing just over 56,000 people.  The vast majority of businesses are located in England, with the greatest density of businesses located in the South West.  72.6% of businesses are micro businesses and 21.6% are medium sized businesses.  There are an estimated 200,000 volunteers in the industry.

Many organisations that are involved with environmental conservation are large.  A new organisation called ‘Natural England’ is to be developed, which will be an amalgamation of parts of English Nature, DEFRA’s Rural Development Service and the Countryside Agency.  Many non-government environmental business and organisations operate on a not-for-profit basis.

Key statistics on the industry:

• 72.6% of businesses employ less than 10 people
• 75% of proprietors are male
• 51.1% of staff are male
• proprietors are commonly aged 45-54 years
• staff are commonly aged 25-34 years
• just over 13% of all establishments report vacancies

In environmental conservation and fisheries management, almost 20% of employers report skills gaps.  Current skills gaps are for field interpretation skills.  There will be a continuing need for management and general skills (including conservation and arboriculture skills), plus a increasing level of environmental expertise.  Future skills needs will be for communication, literacy and numeracy, flexibility, willingness to learn and initiative. 

Skills gaps are also reported for: field interpretation skills; interpersonal skills; specialist crop expertise; species identification; heritage management; chainsaw training; felling; minibus driving; and coaching.  At management level there is a need for people and contract management skills, together with expertise in HR.  Increased demand for environmental tourism and outdoor activities will impact on environmental conservation.  For instance, skills in customer care and communications will be needed by a much wider range of people.

Priorities for training in both rural and urban organisations include: planning and organising; strategic and business planning skills; team working skills and project development; and management.  Customer handling skills and partnership working were key areas for the rural organisations.

Industry drivers affecting future work and employment include:

• the development of sustainable communities through the Common Agricultural Reform and single farm payment
• the Environmental Stewardship scheme which provides funding for effective environmental land management
• the Scottish Muirburn Code reviewing the regulations governing inappropriate grazing and burning of moorland heather and grass
• the demand for environmental training and skills due to the creation of National Parks and designated sites
• the extension of the public rights of way
• the improvement and sustainable use of inland and coastal waters
• increasing importance of biodiversity strategies
• changing demographic trends and consumer demands
• technological advances
• legislative requirements around health and safety at work
• the growing importance of the voluntary sector
• the need for trusts and EC groups to raise funds for sustainability

Source: Sector Skills Agreement Stage 1: Key Drivers of Skill Demand 2005, Sector Skills Agreement Stage 1: Annex 2.7 2005 and Environmental Conservation Industry report 2005

For regional distribution of businesses and employees in the industry see:

Geographical distribution of environmental conservation industry, 2005