TWO chartered surveyors employed by leading regional company Halls have achieved the BASIS Conservation Management Certificate.

Louise Roberts, 24, who is based at Halls’ headquarters in Shrewsbury and Sarah Hulland, 31, who works from the company’s Kidderminster office, passed an examination following an intensive three-day course run by the The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust.

The course is designed for those who have agricultural knowledge but may not be fully familiar with all that is required and covered by the Single Payment Scheme (SPS), relative to conservation issues.

Four modules covered soil and air protection, protection of surface and ground water, biodiversity of species, conservation and improvement and care of the environment The course, which is designed for those managing farms, both directly and indirectly as land agents or management consultants, contributes to the BASIS Diploma in Agronomy and the newly accredited Harper Adams University College 'Graduate Diploma in Agronomy with Environmental Management'.

Sarah said: “With the introduction of the Basic Payment System from 2015, it was felt that a better knowledge of the concepts of conservation management would be key to advising clients in respect of the forthcoming Greening element and NELMS.

“Louise and I found the course extremely useful and are both very pleased to have passed. It will enable us to give our clients more knowledgeable and informative advice in relation to these matters.”