Conservation Groups Training Events
Latest Skills-based Training courses:
The Burren Farming for Conservation Programme (BFCP) in conjunction with the Burrenbeo Trust and Clare Local Development Company (CLDC) are delighted to invite you to attend skills-based training courses funded by the EU’s Leader+ initiative. These courses have been tailored to suit farmers, contractors and volunteers who have received no previous training in these areas and who are likely to carry out relevant work in the Burren such as controlling scrub, repairing stone walls and/or connecting water pipes for example. If you know anyone else who may be interested in these courses, please pass this invitation on to them.
Four courses are being offered on a first come, first served basis. All courses will have an emphasis on safety and best practice here in the Burren and will be classroom-based with demonstrations and practicals. Courses will be led by experienced instructors who are familiar with the Burren and will cover the following:
Chainsaw course: maintenance and safe and effective use of a chainsaw for scrub removal. This course includes accident prevention, PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), cleaning and refuelling, sharpening and tensioning the chain, using the saw and various cuts with particular reference to cutting hazel.
Brushcutter course: safe and effective use of brushcutters/strimmers for scrub removal. This course will include pre-use checks, PPE, operating a strimmer/brushcutter, maintaining the machine, and examples of use in the Burren with different attachments/blades.
Pesticide handling course: safe handling and application of pesticides to control invasive species. This chemical handling course will cover risks, safety precautions and PPE with particular reference to Roundup Biactive and Barclay Gallup Biograde along with other farm chemicals. This course will include a practical on dilution/mixing and different application tools and techniques for controlling hazel, blackthorn and bracken.
Farm infrastructure course: best practice in ‘farming for conservation’ infrastructure. This course will include talks, walks, demos and practicals on installing water equipment, solving water issues on winterages, hanging gates and fencing on often difficult Burren terrain, and repairing stone walls in different styles.
All courses will be held 10am-4pm in the NUI Galway Field Station in Carron and on nearby land. You are welcome to register to participate in 1, 2, 3 or all 4 courses depending on your interest. We have endeavoured to make these courses as useful, interesting, informal, interactive and hands-on as possible.
Places are limited so please phone Bryony on 087 6603020 to book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Course participants are asked to make a €20 contribution per course. This fee will secure your booking and will go towards the cost of basic safety equipment needed for this training. It is non-refundable if you cancel without sufficient notice for your place to be filled by someone else. Please make your payment by cheque (payable to the ‘Burrenbeo Trust’) and drop it in or post it to the BFCP Office, Old Schoolhouse, Carron, Ennis, Co. Clare
Course dates - please keep a note of your booking(s) for future reference:
Chainsaw course: Tuesday 17th April or Wednesday 25th April
Brushcutter course: Wednesday 18th April or Thursday 26th April
Pesticide handling course: Thursday 19th April
Farm infrastructure course: Friday 20th April or Tuesday 24th April
What will I need to take on the course?
For all courses
Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided but please bring a packed lunch.
There will be a practical element in all courses so please bring warm, waterproof clothes.
Chainsaw course
Please bring a chainsaw (bring it in need of maintenance - don’t sharpen or clean it beforehand), correct size file (3/16” or 7/32”), flat file holder, basic saw spanner and suitable clothing (overalls and steel toe-capped boots minimum, you will need full chainsaw PPE to operate a saw).
Brushcutter/strimmer course
We will need a minimum of 1 brushcutter/strimmer between 2 people so please bring one if you can. Please remember your harness and, if you have different attachments/blades, please bring those with you too. Please bring or wear steel toe-capped boots and work trousers.
Pesticide handling course
Please bring or wear steel toe-capped boots for an outdoor practical on different scrub control methods. If you have a weed wiper, or any other applicators, please bring them with you.
Farm infrastructure course
Please bring or wear steel toe-capped boots.
Burrenbeo regularly runs training events and/or unique opportunities for those interested in conservation issues. Please contact Burrenbeo if you would like your group to attend our training programmes or to obtain Burrenbeo information.
Burrenbeo can also organise bespoke training events for your conservation group. Please phone 091-638096 or email trust@burrenbeo.com
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