Nature conservation and restoration activities require personnel with a diverse range of knowledge and skills to meet the various requirements of project stages, ranging from the initial development of ideas right through to the practical works on the ground.
To effectively deliver on nature conservation objectives, individuals and teams require a combination of skills and experience. Blanket bog restoration requires knowledge and expertise in ecology, botany, hydrology, restoration techniques, practical land management, invasive species control, research (monitoring, data collection, analysis and report writing), mapping (GIS skills), grant applications, funds administration, community engagement and partnership building (communication and education), project management (adaptive and sustainable), and health and safety protocols.
In Ireland, there is a lack of specific training and certified courses specifically aimed at nature restoration and related works. However, there are opportunities to gain knowledge, certification and qualifications in the various disciplines listed above.
Below is a selection of both in person and online training opportunities, which may be of interest. This is by no means an exhaustive list. Please reach if you think there are courses that should be listed here; we’re keen to list any opportunities that we consider relevant to Natura Communities.
Further Education and Training Courses
The Education and Training Boards (ETBs) run many accredited and unaccredited courses that relate to biodiversity and the environment, which are listed on their online hub. There is a search facility on the Fetch Courses – Course Finder website. Suggested keyword search terms are “biodiversity” and “ecology”.
These courses are a great introduction to environmental, sustainable and ecological subjects with options for full-time or part-time learning, evening or online. Learners gain skills, knowledge and competencies to quantify and report on the physical and biological diversity of an ecosystem and equip them to progress to further or higher education or training if they so desire. A couple of examples of courses that have been listed previously are outlined below:
- Biodiversity and the Natural Environment (to be undertaken part-time over 15 weeks or full-time over 4 weeks). This module is part of the QQI Level 5 Major Award for Horticulture (5M2586).
- Applied Ecology and Biodiversity (Applied Ecology) (to be undertaken full-time over 40 weeks). QQI Major Level 5 Award in Applied Ecology
Nature Skills Training Pilot
A recent collaboration between the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Office of Public Works (OPW), Laois Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) and SOLAS (national authority for Further Education & Training) saw the piloting of a 1-day course for contractors and managers working in both state agencies and local authorities. The course aimed to raise awareness in nature protection and biodiversity conservation amongst staff who are tasked with the development of public tenders and procurement processes for works in sensitive environments, including building sites.
Course participants are to be provided with training in ecology, environmental law, risk mitigation and best practice across a range of habitats on the day.
Such a course would be relevant to Natura Communities working on conservation and restoration projects. Further details on this course will be shared when available.
Getting started with Biodiversity Knowledge and Skills
There are a number of ways to get started with biodiversity knowledge and skills. Examples of different opportunities are outlined below.
National Biodiversity Data Centre
The National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC) provide training resources and workshops to their recording network.
By learning to identify species, submitting records to the NBDC either through casual recording or our monitoring schemes, individuals and communities can make a significant contribution to better understand Ireland’s biodiversity e.g. getting learners to take part in a monitoring schemes. All of the information gathered by the NBDC goes towards forming important baseline data to track changes to Ireland’s biodiversity over time.
The NBDC run face-to-face workshops throughout the year. They also have a number of free online training resources. Find out more about the NBDC’s training resources on the Biodiversity Ireland website.
National Parks and Nature Reserves (National Parks and Wildlife Service)
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) operate a number of Education Centre in both their National Park and some Nature Reserves. These centres run nature inspired workshops and events throughout the year. With a strong focus on conservation, biodiversity and sustainability, there are activities tailored to all abilities and interests – National Parks Website.
Local Authorities Water Programme (LAWPRO)
One of LAWPRO’s core functions is to work with community groups to promote better water quality and encourage communities to get involved, which is seen as key to both the protection and management of local waterbodies. To achieve this LAWPRO undertake steps to build networks of active communities with the knowledge, skills and capacity to make positive changes in relation to water quality. Such activities include raising awareness, engaging communities, supporting community involvement in stewardship of local streams, rivers, lakes, and coasts, and building capacity within local communities through knowledge funding and training. LAWPRO also has 13 Community Water Officers who have established themselves as contact points for local communities.
For up-to-date information on LAWPRO events, see the website: LA Waters Events or find out who your local Community Water Officer via the following link: LA Waters Community Welfare Officers.
Irish Peatland Conservation Council
The IPCCs Education Department offers a range of courses for teachers and educators, that might be relevant to community organisations looking for an introduction to bog ecology.
See overview of courses and contact details for more information here: Irish Peatland Conservation Council Website.
Irish Wildlife Trust
The IWT runs education programmes, hosts events and webinars on Ireland’s biodiversity and how to protect it. Check out their website for information about the current programmes that are running: Irish Wildlife Trust Education Website.
IUCN Peatland Programme
*Note this is a UK based programme, so policy and other information may differ in the Irish context
The IUCN UK Peatland Programme exists to promote peatland restoration in the UK and advocates the multiple benefits of peatlands through partnerships, strong science, sound policy and effective practice. While it’s a UK based organisation, where conditions and policy may vary in the Irish context, the content is very informative in relation to the conservation and restoration of peatlands including blanket bogs. Here is a link to their website: IUCN Peatland Programme.
There are a lot of learning and training resources available on their website, which can be found here: IUCN Peatland Resources.
Video Resources Online
The Pearl Mussel Project has produced a range of video information and video training resources for both farmers and farm advisors. They have also included links to a range of video resources on freshwater pearl mussel prepared by other groups, which may be of interest.
See the following link for further information: Pearl Mussel Project Video Resources.
They also have materials dedicated to a schools and education programme: Pearl Mussel Project Schools and Education Resources.