Develop the skills and confidence to teach river processes and freshwater biodiversity through practical Outdoor Education approaches.
Join Field Studies Ireland for a practical course on Leading River Processes and Biodiversity, designed for those wishing to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to incorporate freshwater ecology, river processes and environmental fieldwork into their teaching practices.
This fully outdoor course builds on participants’ understanding of the biodiversity of rivers and streams, alongside the geomorphic processes that influence and shape our rivers, focusing on how to share this knowledge with others through Outdoor Education.
We will investigate how to teach and demonstrate the ways rivers and streams form and change throughout the landscape, exploring how flowing water shapes habitats and influences the spaces and wildlife found within them.
Participants will explore practical approaches to teaching freshwater species identification, habitat observation and biodiversity surveying. We will investigate how to facilitate fieldwork involving aquatic invertebrates, river characteristics and the relationships between flowing water, surrounding landscapes and freshwater ecosystems.
The course will also explore how to plan, adapt and facilitate engaging freshwater activities for different groups, ages and abilities, with particular attention to site selection, appropriate risk management, responsible environmental practices, and alternative teaching practices.
Learning will be grounded in direct observation, hands-on fieldwork, demonstrations and shared experiences, using accessible equipment and simple techniques that participants can confidently replicate within their own local environments.
Field Studies Ireland is a not-for-profit organisation specialising in Outdoor Education. Our expertise lies in using Outdoor Education as a methodology across a wide range of subjects, settings and environments, placing us in a unique position to deliver practical, meaningful training.
We exist to empower access to Outdoor Education, helping people and organisations bring what they do outdoors, for the benefit of education, development and wellbeing.
Who is this course for?
This course is suitable for adults wishing to develop their ability to teach and facilitate river processes and freshwater biodiversity activities for others, or those wishing to build on their existing knowledge and experience.
It is particularly relevant to teachers, educators, youth workers, volunteers, outdoor leaders, environmental professionals and others interested in using freshwater environments to support education, development and environmental awareness.
Participants are advised to complete ‘Intro: Rivers and Streams’ before attending, as this provides a useful foundation in freshwater biodiversity and river processes. However, this is not essential, and those with suitable existing knowledge or experience are welcome to participate.
What to expect
Expect a friendly, practical and engaging learning experience, delivered entirely outdoors by Mark O’Connor, founder of Field Studies Ireland.
Participants will spend the course exploring river and stream habitats, practising fieldwork techniques and developing approaches to teaching freshwater ecology and river processes. There will be opportunities to plan, facilitate and reflect on practical activities, with an emphasis on accessible methods that can be replicated in participants’ own local environments.
This is a certified course. Participants who have successfully completed ‘Intro: Rivers and Streams’ alongside this course will be eligible for certification. Those attending without the introductory training are welcome to participate, with certification available following completion of the required training.
As this course takes place in and around freshwater environments, participants should expect uneven terrain, variable weather conditions and potentially wet ground. Suitable outdoor clothing and footwear are required, with wellington boots recommended.
Group Training
Field Studies Ireland regularly delivers this training directly to organisations, teams and community groups, often within their own local outdoor environments. The courses advertised here are intended for individuals or small groups wishing to join scheduled training.
If you would like to arrange training for your own group, please contact Field Studies Ireland to discuss your requirements.
bookings@fieldstudies.ie
