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University Centre Sparsholt University Centre Sparsholt is the higher education arm of leading land-based college, Sparsholt Col

The University of Portsmouth and Sparsholt College, Hampshire, were delighted to announce the creation of ā€˜University Centre Sparsholtā€™ in December 2016. This is the new name for the Collegeā€™s Higher Education programmes, which are validated by the University of Portsmouth. Sparsholt College has been offering Higher Education since the late 1970s and has worked with the University of Portsmouth, its validating university, since the early 1980s. The designation of university centre allows the College to convey more clearly the quality and standards associated with these courses and differentiates them as university level programmes which was further consolidated by its achievement of a TEF Silver award in the summer. The new designation reinforces the relationship between these two highly reputable institutions ā€“ Sparsholt as a leading institution for land-based education and the University of Portsmouth which has its own world-class ranking.

Wildlife Ecology & Conservation students recently met with Matthew Norris-Hill to learn the monitoring methods for rare ...
14/10/2026

Wildlife Ecology & Conservation students recently met with Matthew Norris-Hill to learn the monitoring methods for rare hazel dormicešŸ­

Under licence, the students had the wonderful opportunity to check nest boxes for dormice and although none were spotted this time, they did find lots of wood mouse and deer activity nearby.

Are you inspired by nature and driven to make an impact? Explore Wildlife Ecology & Conservation courses at UCS online or visit us at an open event: https://www.ucsparsholt.ac.uk

Wildlife Ecology and Conservation students at University Centre Sparsholt are exploring the value of long-term studies ā€“...
10/10/2026

Wildlife Ecology and Conservation students at University Centre Sparsholt are exploring the value of long-term studies ā€“ by visiting the inspiring Alice Holt Forest - Forestry England

With more than 20 years of monitoring data, this intensively studied forest provides vital evidence to help us understand temperate forest health and how forest ecosystemā€™s functionā€”bringing ecological science to life for our students. Their thoughtful questions and lively discussions showed the curiosity and critical thinking we value, and need, in our future ecologists.

A warm thank you to the Forest Research team, especially Dr Matthew Wilkinson, Dr Caitlin Lewis, and Dr Catrina James for sharing their expertise, enthusiasm and the science behind this remarkable forest.

šŸ”— Find out more about Wildlife Ecology and Conservation courses at our next open event on Saturday 7 November book now: https://www.ucsparsholt.ac.uk/events/

We're proud to celebrate the work of our Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Lecturer, Dr Oluwadunsin Adekola, who has spe...
09/10/2026

We're proud to celebrate the work of our Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Lecturer, Dr Oluwadunsin Adekola, who has spent the past year collaborating with researchers from around the world through the Interdisciplinary Centre for Conservation Science (ICCS) at the University of Oxford to develop a new Conservation Community Charter.

The charter sets out a series of principles aimed at creating a conservation sector that is more accessible, environmentally responsible, equitable, inclusive and socially just. It recognises that conservation is not only about protecting and restoring nature, but also about how we work together, whose voices are heard, and how our actions impact both people and the planet.

The first phase of this important project is now live, and colleagues, practitioners, researchers, students and anyone working in or alongside conservation are invited to explore the charter and share their feedback.

šŸ”— Read more and access the charter here: https://ow.ly/vnfP50ZVRuU

08/10/2026

UCS have welcomed new and returning students to their annual Freshersā€™ Fair!

It was a brilliant opportunity to bring the university community together and give students the opportunity to discover everything available to support them throughout their course.

The fair was a great chance for students to meet new people, explore different opportunities and find new ways to get involved in university life. Students could learn more about clubs and societies run by fellow students and staff, as well as sign up to become a Student Rep or Student Ambassador, providing opportunities to develop new skills, meet others and play an active role within the UCS community.

Throughout the event, students could also find out more about the wide range of support, wellbeing and resources available at UCS, alongside information about food and other services. The Library team was on hand to showcase the resources available to support students with their studies, with free books to pick up and VR headsets to try.

There was plenty to enjoy throughout the day too, with free pizza, cookies and rocky road, as well as UCS merchandise and a variety of other freebies for students to take home.

Everyone who attended received a raffle ticket, giving them the chance to win a selection of prizes, including plants and chocolate. The photobooth was also available throughout the event, giving students the perfect opportunity to have some fun and capture a memory of the day.

It was great to see so many students coming together, making connections and discovering the opportunities available to them. We hope everyone who attended enjoyed the Freshersā€™ Fair and wish all our new and returning students a fantastic year at UCS.šŸ’œ

To mark National Young Farmers' Week and Hampshire Young Farmers' 80th anniversary, Sparsholt College Group has pledged ...
08/10/2026

To mark National Young Farmers' Week and Hampshire Young Farmers' 80th anniversary, Sparsholt College Group has pledged a donation to help secure the future of an organisation that continues to provide invaluable opportunities for young people across Hampshire.

From skills development and competitions to building confidence, wellbeing and industry connections, Hampshire Young Farmers plays a vital role in nurturing the next generation of farming professionals.

We're proud to stand alongside them as they celebrate this significant milestonešŸŽ‰

This week we are celebrating our Zookeepers! šŸ¾With Sunday celebrating the official International Zookeeper Day. This is ...
08/10/2026

This week we are celebrating our Zookeepers! šŸ¾

With Sunday celebrating the official International Zookeeper Day. This is a day which was set up by the International Congress of Zookeepers as a day to reflect on the massive contribution that zookeepers make to the care of all species and to promote the important role that keepers play in wildlife conservation.

Here at Sparsholt we have a dedicated team of staff who care for the huge variety of animals who reside at the Animal Health, Welfare and Research Centre. From our cats, rabbits, rats, chickens and ducks to the alpaca, reptiles, lemurs, hornbills, red pandas, miniature zebu and amphibians and invertebrates.

There are a lot of misconceptions about animal keepersā€¦that itā€™s just picking up poo or cuddling animals all day and that itā€™s not necessary to have many qualifications to become one.

Being a keeper is not just about completing the day-to-day husbandry tasks for our animals, it involves, creating enrichment, training, enclosure maintenance as well as ensuring our animals welfare by monitoring their health and administrating medications, record keeping and assisting with vet visits.

Our keepers are also involved with breeding programmes for species such as the red pandas and conservation projects such as the breeding and releasing of Heathland Tiger beetles.

Our animal team are not only committed to providing the best possible care for the animals but also to teaching the next generation of zookeepers and animal carers to help contribute to the survival of species across the world large or small.

Thank you for everything you do! šŸ‘

Don't miss out on our Agri-tech discovery morning! šŸšœJoin us for at UCS for a series of workshops, networking opportuniti...
06/10/2026

Don't miss out on our Agri-tech discovery morning! šŸšœ

Join us for at UCS for a series of workshops, networking opportunities and refreshments. šŸŒ¾

Email us at [email protected] to secure your place! šŸ“§

Giving someone drugs or alcohol without their knowledge or permission is spiking and itā€™s a serious crime that carries a...
29/09/2026

Giving someone drugs or alcohol without their knowledge or permission is spiking and itā€™s a serious crime that carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

Spiking is:
Adding alcohol or drugs to someoneā€™s drink, v**e, ci******es, or food.
Giving someone more alcohol than they asked for.
Injecting someone with drugs.

Symptoms can vary for each person and may appear suddenly. If someoneā€™s behaviour seems very different to what youā€™d expect based on the amount theyā€™ve had to drink, itā€™s important to take it seriously.

They may be confused, have slurred speech, nausea, hallucinating, vomiting, paranoia or become unconscious.

You can help by staying with them, talking to them if possible, and seeking help from the venue staff, security, or emergency services if needed. Remember to never leave them alone or let them leave with a stranger.

Stay with them. Get help. Report it.

Find out more here: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/spiking-advice/spiking/

Exciting news from our Animal Health and Welfare Research Centre!We're delighted to share the successful hatching of two...
24/09/2026

Exciting news from our Animal Health and Welfare Research Centre!

We're delighted to share the successful hatching of two Vulturine Guineafowl chicks, a significant achievement for our dedicated bird team.

The chicks hatched following a 24-day incubation period and are thriving as they explore their aviary. Even more exciting, this is the third successful breeding of Vulturine Guineafowl at Sparsholt Campus, highlighting the expertise and commitment of our staff in the care and conservation of unique avian species.

Often referred to as the "Royal Guineafowl", these stunning birds will develop their striking cobalt blue, black and white plumage as they mature.

A huge congratulations to our bird section team on this fantastic success!

Read more via the news section on our website.

Its International Red Panda Day!šŸ„°This is run by the Red Panda Network and is a day to celebrate red pandas and for peopl...
19/09/2026

Its International Red Panda Day!šŸ„°

This is run by the Red Panda Network and is a day to celebrate red pandas and for people to join a global movement to protect red pandas and their habitat.

Here at Sparsholt AHWRC we are proud to house this incredible species and last year was unbelievably exciting as our female, Meeko, gave birth to twins! Fazula and Zemiak spent the first year of their lives learning all things ā€œpandaā€ from Meeko and have both been matched (population management programme) with potential mates at other collections.

Zemi headed off to Yorkshire Wildlife Park in March to meet a female and Zula will be heading off to Amazon World on the Isle of Wight at the end of this month to be paired with a male. Although we are very sad to see them leave us, it is something we can be very proud of as they will hopefully go on to have cubs of their own and contribute to keeping the captive population of this amazing species thriving!

āœØRed panda Facts:
-There are as few as 2,500 red pandas left in the wild.
-They are classified as carnivores but are actually mostly vegetarian! In fact, around 95% of their diet is bamboo!
- Red pandas are not related to the giant pandas, but they are the original ā€œpandasā€! The Red panda species was discovered a whole 50 years before Giant Pandas!

Come and see our Red Pandas at our next Open Event!
https://bit.ly/UCSOpenEventšŸ”—

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Westley Lane
Sparsholt
SO212NF

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+441962776441

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