Question 1

is the 10-day residental intensive an essential component of the course?

Accepted Answer

Yes it is for the certificate in Applied ecology. Everything that occurs over the next 9 months of on-line learning is informed by participation in the initial 10-day intensive field ecology module.

Question 2

How long is the course?

Accepted Answer

9 months in total, including a 10-day initial residential component. After your return home from the residential start, you will be setting up a project within your own community and attending on-line tutorials every two weeks for 9 months to help guide you through your project's implementation.

Question 3

What are the course start and end dates?

Accepted Answer

Start date is 10th July 2025 (first day of 10-day field ecology intensive). The course ends in May 2026.

Question 4

Can I bring my family to the residential?

Accepted Answer

If you have a partner and are willing to share the responsibility of looking after your children by supervising them on-site at all times, and are willing to camp (with access to toilet, kitchen and bathroom), then yes. Parents must take full responsibility for their children at all times.

Question 5

Can I bring my dog or cat?

Accepted Answer

No - we are a wildlife-friendly site and have to say no to dogs and cats for conservation purposes.

Question 6

Does RAiSE provide bedding?

Accepted Answer

It is best to bring a sleeping bag, but if you forget,yes we can provide bedding.

Question 7

Can I drive to the venue in France?

Accepted Answer

Students make their own way by public transport (local bus service) to the venue from the city of Poitiers. If you wish to drive, you may park your vehicle in one of the long stay car parks in Poitiers and then take the bus from Poitiers train station. Details will be sent to you.

Question 8

Do I need to bring food and pocket money for the ecology residential?

Accepted Answer

Yes please bring some pocket money in Euros for spending in the market and local shop, as well as local cafes. You will be able to buy food for breakfast and snacks in the local producer market on the first full day of the residential intensive.

Question 9

Will we be cooking our own meals or self-catering at the residential?

Accepted Answer

Breakfast and Supper are self-catering. Lunch is on a rota with 2 students assigned each day to cook/prepare a sustainable lunch from fresh local seasonal and where possible organic produce.  Lunch is the main meal of each day from noon to 2pm.

Question 10

Will my allergies and food requirements be taken into consideration?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you can let the RAiSE ecology team know in advance so that we can make sure either that lunch is prepared with options that include your requirements, or that the only option available is made accordingly. NB it is important that you inform RAiSE staff of intolerances or allergies/

Question 11

What are the accommodation options at the residential?

Accepted Answer

You can either bring a tent and camp, with access to a compost toilet, kitchen, and bathroom OR you can sleep in a rustic barn with beds (with access to said facilities).

Question 12

Is the residential wheel-chair friendly?

Accepted Answer

If you are able to camp and use a wheelchair to access the compost toilet, kitchen and bathroom (all on one level) then yes. Unfortunately, the ground throughout the farm used as the residential venue is uneven. RAiSE will endeavour to facilitate your participation in  activities.

Question 13

Will there be free time during the 10-day residential?

Accepted Answer

There is some free time built into each day, and we shall try to have a rest afternoon when you can go on an excursion, roughly halfway through the course.

Question 14

What does the program look like at the residential ?

Accepted Answer

Morning sessions start at 08:00 am local time on 11th July with practical sustainability activities/workshops until lunch at noon. Afternoon sessions start at 2pm until 5:00pm. At 6pm there are evening sessions until 8:00pm when things wind down and there is free time until the next day.

Question 15

What is a typical day at the residential?

Accepted Answer

Breakfast at 7:30am. Practical (rough/mucky) workshop activity from 8:00am to Noon. Lunch break to 2pm. Theoretical (less rough/mucky) workshop / activity to 5pm. 6pm supper and 6:30pm evening discussion / film / guest lecture / conversation.

Question 16

How do I contact RAiSE ecology for further information?

Accepted Answer

email the following with any queries for clarification. raise@gmx.com Alternatively go to the RAiSE ecology website and click on any of the contact icons to send an email. www.raise-education.com

Question 17

Can I volunteer for RAiSE ecology to reduce the price of the course?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can.  Please email raise@gmx.com to discuss what volunteer options you would be prepared to take on, to enable a price reduction for the course.

Question 18

Are there other ways to reduce the price of enrolling on the RAiSE ecology program?

Accepted Answer

Yes there are. There is a scholarship program for all students from developing or less developed countries. Please email raise@gmx.com to open a conversation about the RAiSE ecology scholarship.

Question 19

Is the RAiSE ecology certificate in Applied Ecology accredited?

Accepted Answer

There are two types of certificate awarded at the end of the program. For non-graduates this will be a RAiSE ecology certificate of completion. For graduates who complete the program, it will be a Masters level certificate in Applied Ecology. Accreditation is pending with partnership institutions.

Question 20

Where is the venue in France?

Accepted Answer

The venue for the 10-day field ecology intensive in France is a Napoleonic farm to the North of Poitiers in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region (West France). First travel to Poitiers and then follow directions that will be sent to you, to bus (or bicycle) to the village closest to the venue.

RAiSE ecology course