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Introduction to Land Biodiversity

Explore and protect local biodiversity with our Introduction to Land Biodiversity course, offering insights into habitats, threats, and practical skills. Tailored for community groups, leaders, educators, and citizens, this flexible programme combines in-person and online learning to empower you to make a lasting impact on Ireland’s natural heritage.

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Explore Ireland’s natural heritage and how we can protect it.

Do you recognise the immense value of biodiversity in your local area?

Our Introduction to Land Biodiversity training course will allow you to explore Ireland’s natural heritage and how we can protect it.

The course is a curated guide for exploring local biodiversity and habitats,  getting insights into threats like habitat loss and invasive species, & gaining practical skills to protect and enhance biodiversity in your local area.

This flexible, hands-on course is tailored to your community’s needs, blending in-person and online learning. Whether you’re a community group, a local leader, educator, or passionate citizen, this course will empower you to make a difference. Join us today and make a lasting impact!

Biodiversity is the foundation of life on Earth, shaping our landscapes, supporting ecosystems, and enriching our communities. Ireland is home to a remarkable variety of species, from over 800 flowering plants and 700 mosses and liverworts to 32 terrestrial mammals, 10 bat species, and 24 whales and dolphins. But do we truly understand the role they play or the challenges they face?

In this course you will learn:

  • To identify native flora and fauna in various habitats, from woodlands and wetlands to semi-natural grasslands and even stone walls.  
  • Through hands-on experience, you’ll discover how biodiversity supports our way of life and how we can safeguard it for future generations.
  •  Actions to enhance and support biodiversity in your community 
  • Practical skills to record and monitor species, recognise key threats such as habitat loss and invasive species, and take meaningful steps to enhance local biodiversity.
  • How to effectively engage with local and national authorities to drive real change.

Led by ecologists, this course offers direct insights into conservation, ensuring you leave with the confidence and knowledge to make a lasting impact. With a blended learning approach tailored to your community’s needs, you’ll gain the tools to empower yourself and others in preserving Ireland’s natural heritage.

Who will benefit from this course?

 

Community members passionate about understanding and preserving local biodiversity
Environmental enthusiasts seeking practical avenues to contribute to conservation efforts
Individuals eager to engage with authorities and experts in the field of biodiversity
Citizens interested in actively participating in citizen science initiatives
Local SME’s interested in reducing their carbon footprint through biodiversity action

What will you Learn?

 

This course has been run dozens of times across the country and is always popular with community members from  various backgrounds. The course enables them to make lasting changes to benefit nature and people in their local area. Upon completion of the Introduction to Land Biodiversity course, participants can expect the following outcomes:

  • Comprehend the importance of biodiversity.
  • Understand prevailing threats to biodiversity.
  • Discover species unique to your local area.
  • Learn how to identify different flora and fauna.
  • Feel empowered to protect and enhance local biodiversity through actionable steps.
  • Skills in recording and monitoring species.
  • Gain insights on engaging effectively with relevant local and national authorities.
  • Direct interactions with field experts.
  • Benefit from first hand interactions with field experts across various subjects.

Course Structure

 

The Introduction to Land Biodiversity course is a tailored exploration of the unique biodiversity in your area. Using a blended learning approach of online and in person training,  this course  is delivered over 6 sessions totaling to a commitment of 15 hours:

Session 1: Local Area – Land and Water Biodiversity

  • Understanding Biodiversity: Explore the concept and significance of biodiversity in your local environment.
  • Area Projects: Discover ongoing projects in your community that contribute to biodiversity.
  • Actionable Ideas: Gain insights into practical actions you can take to contribute to biodiversity enhancement.

Session 2: Local Area – Habitats

  • Flora & Fauna: Identify and appreciate the diverse plant and animal life in your ‘Local Area’ region.
  • Biodiversity Improvement: Learn how to increase and improve biodiversity within your community.
  • Invasive Alien Species: Understand the impact and management of invasive species on local habitats.

Session 3: Citizen Science in Ireland

  • Overview: Understand the landscape of citizen science in Ireland.
  • Schemes and Importance: Explore existing citizen science schemes and their significance.
  • Recording Species: Learn how to contribute to citizen science through online platforms and apps.

3 in-person field sessions are designed to ground the online session with practical hands-on experience. Our trainers  will reinforce what you learned online giving you a holistic understanding of the course content . These sessions are also tailored to your local habitats to ensure the lessons are relevant. Topics covered can vary from group to group and time of year can include ; habitat mapping, tree and plant identification, pollinator identification, exploring useful reference guides , invasive species ID and more.  If required we can also invite guest speakers such as local experts or authorities  to attend the field session to provide additional insight into the topics being covered.