CLDC announces biodiversity enhancement plan training for Clare farmers
Clare Local Development Company (CLDC) is seeking applicants to participate in a project which will deliver bespoke farm biodiversity enhancement plans as part of a countywide LEADER funded biodiversity training programme.
The training programme which will run throughout 2021 and which is free to participants aims to protect and enhance biodiversity in County Clare through local awareness and education.
The programme will be led by Damien Coyne Agricultural Consultants who will explain the fundamentals of biodiversity and habitat protection, and show participants how to increase biodiversity across their farm without impacting on farm output.
“In my experience as a farm advisor, it has been clear that there is a keen interest among the farming community in biodiversity and the idea of farming for nature. County Clare is world renowned for its biodiversity and this exciting project provides an opportunity for farmers to develop their skills to enhance biodiversity on their farms”, said Mr. Coyne.
“The approach will be a simple one. We will, in conjunction with the landowner, develop a plan specific to the individual farm that will detail zero or low cost actions that will enhance biodiversity without restricting the ability of the landowner to maintain their current farm enterprises”, he said.
“We will also provide the necessary training to implement these actions. At the end of the programme landowners will have a clear knowledge of why certain actions are being proposed and how to implement them. I am looking forward to working with farmers throughout Co. Clare and I would strongly encourage any farmer with an interest in this area to take part in the project,” he added.
CLDC LEADER Development Officer, Gerry McDonagh is urging farmers who are interested in learning how their farm can sequester carbon to apply for a place on the course. “The training programme provides an opportunity for the participating farmers to be among the first in the country to measure their carbon storage as a result of biodiversity actions”, said Mr. McDonagh.
Most of the training will be delivered on each participant’s farm on a one-to-one basis with a small element of group training taking place online depending on Covid-19 restrictions.
Applications to participate in the training programme are invited from all farmers with the exception of participants in the Burren Programme and Hen Harrier Project EIP which offer similar services.
Places are limited however and participants will need access to internet and a smart phone or laptop.
Download a copy of the application form here. For further information email info@damiencoyne.com
The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, 14th May, 2021
CLDC announces biodiversity enhancement plan training for Clare communities
Clare Local Development Company (CLDC) is now taking applications for a LEADER funded online and field-based training programme to help participants prepare a biodiversity enhancement plan for an outdoor recreational space in their community. It can be any site which has public access which people use for recreation, a park, perimeter of a sports or playground, the grounds of a community building (church, community centre) or other green space.
The training which is free of charge and which will run for a total of 6 months is open to all community groups in County Clare.
It will be held as a series of 12 webinars taking place on Wednesday evenings from 12th May to 28th July, 2021 combined with on-site training, and a final series of 4 online workshops in September to complete the plans.
The programme will be led by Dr Fran Giaquinto who will explain the fundamentals of biodiversity and habitat protection, and show participants how to recognise the potential for increasing biodiversity in their selected area.
“By increasing biodiversity, we increase the amount of carbon that is stored”, said Dr. Giaquinto who will also show participating groups how this can be measured and introduced into their plan to help protect from climate change.
Organic gardener, Linda Gilsenan will show participants how to bring native trees and pollinator-friendly plants into their community whilst Phoebe O’Brien, a well-known local botanist will demonstrate how to conduct surveys and identify the biodiversity that exists in the area.
“We want this training programme to succeed at a very high level and provide a blueprint for community-led habitat protection into the future. Our vision is to equip all participants with the confidence, knowledge and tools to design and implement their plans, and become proud of their endeavours” said Dr Giaquinto.
“As part of this training we will help you design a biodiversity plan and direct you to the resources to implement it. Also, this is an opportunity for communities in County Clare to become the first in the country to collectively measure their carbon storage as a result of biodiversity actions,” she added.
CLDC LEADER projects Co-ordinator, Ms. Gloria Callinan has urged groups with an interest in enhancing the biodiversity of their local outdoor recreational spaces to apply for a place on the course. “The programme will also deliver on the biodiversity objective of our Local Development Strategy to deliver training for community groups that stimulates actions to protect and enhance vulnerable species and habitats”, said Ms. Callinan.
Places are limited to 25 groups and participants will need access to internet and a smart phone or laptop. The trainers will assist with set up and use of the online Zoom software.
CLDC is delighted to offer a suite of online workshops and training courses, designed to support businesses in dealing with the impact of the pandemic.
The training is funded under the LEADER programme. #LEADERforEnterprise and will be rolled out by Evelyn Cormican, Blueprint Coaching & Training.
The training includes:
– Rebuilding your Business after Covid-19
– Marketing Tools for Tourism Businesses
– Financial Skills for Micro and Small Business owners
– Create your own e-commerce store using Shopify
Click here for full details with the schedule of delivery dates and times where you can register to attend.
Shopify is an ecommerce platform that allows you to set up an online store and sell your products to an International audience. It is widely loved by small businesses because it is easy to use and manage.
Together in this (approximately) 25-hour course on Building Your Website, you’ll learn how to set up your very own website using Shopify with a minimum 5 products for sale.
By the time your 14 day trial is complete, you’ll be selling your products to the world! The training will be delivered through a combination of pre-loaded instructional videos showing the steps involved in setting up the online shop, and live webinars with Q&A and discussion on progress throughout the 10 day course.
Course schedule
Sept 21st at 2pm
This pre-course webinar will provide you with an overview of the training, whether the programme is right of you, marketing considerations for your business, and demonstration of tools. This session is an opportunity to explain the programme and ensure that participants are clear on objectives and level of commitment.
An invitation to register for the 10 day course will be issued.
It is essential that you attend the Pre-Course Webinar to establish if this course is right for you and your business.
Oct 5th – 2pm – 3.30pm
Day 1 – Module 1 – Live Session, course introduction, and qualities of an effective website, with collaborative discussion: The group will review the skills, abilities and what is required to build their own website, key considerations when creating a website. Questions and concerns about technology, costs, product considerations, and platforms will be addressed.
Day 2 – Module 2 – Instructional Video – What is Shopify? Shopify vs other platforms? Setting up your 14 day free trial on Shopify
Oct 8th – 2pm – 3.30pm
Day 4 – Module 3 – Live Session, Review progress, Address any questions, collaborative discussion on content. Creating content, images and text for your website
Day 5 & 6 – Module 4 – Instructional Video – Choosing a free theme. Creating ‘About’ & ‘Contact’ pages. Creating Collections and adding your first products.
Oct 12th – 2pm – 3.30pm
Day 7 – Module 5 – Live Session, Review progress, address any questions, collaborative discussion on content. Creating content, images and text for your website
Day 8 – Module 6 – Instructional Video – Set up shipping methods, set up payment methods, stripe/paypal account, styling your theme, integrating with Facebook, Go live!
Oct 16th – 2pm – 3.30pm
Day 10- Module 7 – Live Session, Review progress to date, review websites and provide practical suggestions on next steps.
