NEA as private candidate

Hiya folks!

I'm looking into completing an A level in Environmental Science as a private candidate but I'm struggling a little in finding information about the Non-Exam assessment. It also seems worryingly difficult to find a centre that will support with the NEA and exams.
My goal following this is to go to university for Ecology and Wildlife conservation, and it looks like a science A level is required to do that so I'm not sure there's a way around it. Finances are a little tight so I'd struggle to enroll in a college or with a distance learning provider.

Is there anyone out there who has managed an A level requiring an NEA as a private student? Or anyone who has taken an A level in Environmental science? I'd love to hear about your experiences. Thank you!

Can I check - what other level 3 qualifications do you hold, when did you take them and which unis are you considering?

Hi, thank you for your reply. I have a B in English Literature, a B in English Language and a C in History. I took them about 9 years ago.

I think when the time comes to apply to university, I'd likely be looking at Reading only.

An Access to HE diploma course in a science subject might be a better alternative than an A level at this stage. It's worth an email to Reading's admissions department to inform them that you are mature student with A levels taken a while ago, and ask if they would accept an Access diploma. They might also consider you for their foundation year without additional study. The entry requirements seem quite flexible if you firm them:
https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/study/subject-area/ecology-ug/bsc-ecology-and-wildlife-conservation-with-foundation
https://www.accesstohe.ac.uk/about-access