Pictures: Waterways College ecology trainees awarded certificates in Kilkenny

Well known environmentalist Liam O’ Brien congratulated graduates of the River Ecology Programme delivered by the Waterways College and Kilkenny Leader Partnership, at a ceremony on Saturday, May 6.

Presenting certificates to graduates, Liam spoke of the importance of citizen science and local communities in protecting biodiversity.

“I can’t do anything about what’s happening in the Amazon, however I can make a difference to my local river and environment and that is what makes this Waterways College programme so important,” he said.

Liam shared his experience and insights of the Bagenalstown Improvement Group with their project on the removal of Himalayan Balsam. 

Mags Morrissey of Nore Vision and Waterways College, congratulated trainees on their achievement.

"As an ecologist, I continue to learn everyday and in my view, the quality of information shared  on this programme was excellent. Mags added that as a result of the programme, she was reflecting on how our increased knowledge and awareness helps us to make small changes in our behaviour which can make a difference to our environment."

The training modules in the part-time course were delivered by environmental NGO Cork Nature Network, on eight Saturdays in the spring of 2023. In a blend of classroom-based learning and hands-on fieldwork, participants learned about habitats and ecosystems, local species, pressures and threats, conservation and legislation, citizen science and practical skills and took a boat-based field trip on the River Barrow. 

Tara O’ Donoghue, project manager with Cork Nature Network, said: “Cork Nature Network aims to protect and promote biodiversity in Ireland through conservation, research and education. As part of this we design and deliver training for community groups and organisations. Skills based programme like this empower individuals to take positive action locally. We congratulate Waterways College on this great initiative and all the participants on their commitment to their local environment and community.”

Waterways College, the first further education college in the country to focus extensively on the outdoor classroom environment, takes its inspiration from its incredible surroundings. Based at the Hub in Graiguenamanagh, it is an initiative of Kilkenny Leader Partnership. For more information see https://waterwayscollege.ie/