Wild Work biodiversity programme launches at Fota

Taoiseach Micheál Martin recently joined local councillor Sheila O’Callaghan from Watergrasshill, deputising for the Mayor of the County of Cork along with Local Development Companies, members of Cork County Council’s Local Community Development Committees (LCDC), citizen scientists and ecology experts, to celebrate the work of the award-winning free biodiversity training programme, Wild Work, designed to help people and in turn, nature.

Designed by expert ecologists, the Wild Work training programme integrates the use of innovative virtual and augmented technologies with practical outdoor classroom and online learning modules to help trainees to focus on how best to support local biodiversity and experience mental and physical health benefits as a result of taking part in positive environmental actions.

Each and every person across the country has a role to play in protecting nature, according to Cllr O’Callaghan.

“Here in County Cork, we are already reaping the rewards of the Wild Work Programme through an increased investment, both in terms of money and time, in nature-based initiatives which contribute to an environmental, economic and wellbeing dividend for individuals, organisations and communities,” she said.

First established in 2017 by Local Development Company SECAD Partnership, Wild Work has now evolved into an innovative cooperation project which has seen its reach expand from South and West Cork into Cavan and West Limerick, thanks to a pilot partnership with Cavan County Local Development and West Limerick Resources supported by the LEADER Programme.

Delivered across 20 locations, the current Wild Work training programme has almost 500 participants.

“Cork County Council, via both the South and West Cork LCDC, were delighted to play their part in the approval of this project for LEADER funding of €400k in Cork County and are delighted to be part of this great initiative,” Cllr O’Callaghan added.

The Partnership between Cork, West Limerick and County Cavan, is developing a range of tools that will make it possible for Local Development Partnerships across Ireland to coordinate a multi-layered, multi-sectoral and integrated approach to enable communities, urban and rural, to take their place as leading agents for the restoration of biodiversity on this Island.

V.R. EXPERIENCE

Those present at the event held at Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens - a Wild Work programme participant - were treated to a preview of one of the innovations to emerge from the project, an epic new virtual reality experience which brings nature to life for all.

The immersive experience takes viewers on a journey of discovery through Irish woodlands and meadows, through the seasons, stopping along the way to learn about flora and fauna and the ways in which we can all help to nurture habitats that sustain our unique biodiversity.

Much of the information contained within the hotspots along the way was created by current Wild Work participants.

“Wild Work is an exceptional example of a co-operation project that is delivering real, tangible results on the ground, empowering others to continue the work long after the training programme ends,” Taoiseach Micheál Martin said.

“It is an important tool in terms of our local and national response to the climate emergency and complements the efforts of other groups, agencies and individuals.

“The new virtual reality experience highlights ways in which technology can enable people to connect with nature, facilitating learning, fostering a love for the outdoors, and nurturing an understanding about the way in which our flora, fauna and habitats support our people, our communities, and the places in which we all work and live,” he added.

The current Wild Work training programme commenced in April 2022. Participants comprise individuals, community and voluntary groups, farmers, teachers, pupils and parents, the business community and managers of public amenities drawn from across South Cork, West Cork, Cavan and West Limerick.