Principles of
Sustainable Land Management

Sustainable, productive farming systems that are more resilient to climate change, protecting biodiversity and the environment are essential for providing food, clean air and water and safeguarding our natural capital. Sustainable management of the farmed landscape is currently, and will be increasingly, an important part of the farm business. The use of an integrated approach to farm and environmental land management realises benefits for productivity, biodiversity, resources and the environment.

The Principles of Sustainable Land Management (PSLM) syllabus has been designed for farmers, land managers, advisers, agronomists and those working within the farmed landscape. It is well suited to those looking for an introduction to the principles of sustainable land management and to further their technical, practical and business knowledge to maximise on-farm environmental potential and sustainability.

Completion of this course will provide an appreciation of the key elements of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) standards and support the delivery of its outcomes within Defra’s vision of Environmental Land Management (ELM) and public money for public goods.

The PSLM course is offered as a one-day short course at the GWCT Allerton Project, with a subsequent online 25 question multiple choice exam via BASIS. Attendees to the PSLM course at the Allerton Project will enjoy an in-person training experience including a farm walk of our 320ha mixed arable and livestock estate to observe the principles of the course in a farming context. Lunch and refreshments included.

This course provides a useful introduction to the key concepts, which can be supported by more in-depth knowledge gained by progressing with more advanced courses, such as the Certificate in Sustainable Land Management (replacing BETA Conservation from 2023), Soil & Water Management and FACTS.