Training

The Ulster Wildlife Trust currently offer two accredited training courses. An NVQ in Environmental Conservation and an OCN in Conservation & Countryside Management.

The Ulster Wildlife Trust is offering the opportunity to complete an Open College Network course in Conservation & Countryside Management. This course requires no previous knowledge or experience and provides an initial insight into the world of practical conservation. Running one day a week for six weeks, the course covers basic health and safety, tool maintenance, working as part of a team, and habitat management. The habitat focus of each course changes seasonally between Grassland and Woodland. The course is open to anyone over the age of 18 and all training and equipment is provided. All you need to bring along is sturdy footwear and a packed lunch.

Fees are £50 or £20 if you are an Ulster Wildlife Trust member. However, the course is absolutely FREE to volunteers for the Trust.

This is a great opportunity to learn practical conservation skills whilst at the same time enjoying the outdoors among some beautiful parts of Belfast. Held at the Ulster Wildlife Trust’s Bog Meadows and Lagan Meadows and Slievenacloy Nature Reserves, participants will get to see and learn about an array of flora and fauna, from newts and dragonflies to native wildflowers and alien invaders! Course tutors will provide all necessary training and support, and will target tasks to ability. This is about having a good time and getting something back for the effort you put in. Paperwork is minimal and assessment is carried out in an informal manner throughout the course, with an emphasis on practical tasks.

Everyone is welcome, whether you are young or old, experienced or have never done any sort of conservation work.

The following courses with their dates and general focus topics will be held in 2008 (all courses run from 10am - 4pm) -

Woodland Management
14th January - 18th February
Coppicing, tree felling, tree planting, hedgelaying and winter tree ID

Grassland Management
10th April - 15th May
Creation of a giant bird table, meadow management, alien invader flora (Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam, Giant Hogweed), scrub clearance and grassland ID

Nature Reserves Volunteers will have the opportunity to undertake an NVQ in Environmental Conservation (Level II) through the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise at Greenmount (CAFRE). No previous experience is required, although a basic knowledge and interest in nature conservation issues would be beneficial. Volunteers should be reasonably fit and enjoy working outdoors. Click here to read the course information on the CAFRE website.

If you are interested in either of these courses or have any questions, please contact Ian Cardwell on 028 4483 0282 or email volunteering@ulsterwildlifetrust.org