How do we develop our sense of place? What are the potential implications of disconnecting from it? Are there ways in which local and community resources can feed into education and learning? Ireland’s nationally leading advocate for place-based learning, Burrenbeo Trust, will host expert practitioners to examine and debate these and further questions from 9th-11th March in Kinvara, Co. Galway. The Learning Landscape Symposium will host more than 100 delegates and facilitators developing and sharing knowledge in this field of learning and growth. The diverse programme encompasses themes such as play and storytelling, bees and rewilding, health and mentoring, and deep ecology. Confirmed speakers so far include social and environmental advocate Easkey Britton, outdoor education specialist Robbie Nicol, and community resilience expert Davie Phillip, with many more to be announced.
According to Áine Bird of Burrenbeo Trust, Symposium Coordinator, ‘We have an inherent affinity for our place and environment. However, in a world of increasingly powerful technology and economic globalisation, our local story can struggle to be heard. People connecting to place is wholly beneficial to any community, fostering a sense of pride, ownership and ultimately responsibility towards both their community and environment. As Burrenbeo Trust has demonstrated, place-based learning can be applied anywhere, and the Burren provides a superb location for this event. With a diverse range of cultural and natural heritage right at our doorstep, we look forward to sharing our wonderful ‘outdoor classroom’ with our delegates”.
Place-based learning encourages using local environment and community resources – present in every place – for learning. Immersing individuals in their local heritage, culture and landscape, it engenders awareness of place, helping people identify their role as protectors and advocates, to ensure a sustainable future. Burrenbeo Trust has been working in place-based learning in the region for 10 years, and its work in the Burren provides an excellent, transferable model for implementing innovative community and learning practices. These include specific programmes on the importance of ‘place’ for primary, secondary and university students, as well as visitors, the local community and all those with an interest in this unique landscape.
With over 20 talks and interactive workshop sessions, the Learning Landscape Symposium 2018 will have something for everyone involved or interested in environmental and community engagement, developing skills and providing tools for place-based learning in any locality. The event comprises a combination of keynote lectures and themed workshops in venues around the lovely village of Kinvara, with site-based workshops out in the stunning Burren landscape. This inspiring event is open to everyone, but booking in advance is essential. An Early Bird Special of €65 for the whole event is available until the 31st January, so get your booking in now! Further details on https://burrenbeo.com/our-work/learning/training-events/learning-landscape-symposium/