About the Invaders of the natural kind project

Invasive non native species are a great threat to biodiversity. The ecological/economic impacts can be huge and have far reaching consequences in terms of damage caused. Better understanding is needed to limit this impact.

This year Field Studies Council (FSC) Derrygonnelly have successfully obtained funding through the NIEL NGO Challenge Fund to deliver an exciting project called Invaders of the natural kind. Through partnership with Fermanagh District Council (FDC) and the Centre for Environmental Data and Recording (CEDaR) we hope to help tackle the problem of invasives in the Fermanagh district.

At a local level, there is a clear need for a model of educational learning/resource development to benefit young people and to heighten public awareness about risks/adverse impacts around invasive species. Therefore, we hope to deliver interactive workshops to ignite and enthuse young people about their natural environment and enable them to gain an appreciation of the issues surrounding invasive species.

Through this project we also wish to increase the capacity of volunteers to get involved in the recording and mapping of invasive species through raising awareness and equipping them with a range of materials to explain environmental issues and solutions within a local context.

This funding has allowed us to develop learning resources such as identification charts along with information for schools and the wider public which will raise awareness of invasive species.

Feedback from teachers supported FSC in engaging schools and saw direct benefits to wider community through developing learning resources. As well as benefitting the local school community in County Fermanagh.

The education programme will outline the need for conservation and the necessity to protect our environment from the dangers of invasive species and foster a sense of environmental stewardship, empowering young people to engage with nature and experience scientific research.

By studying in their local area, young people will develop improved skills in investigation, decision-making and communication as well as gaining practical experience with hands on interactive activities which are fun.

Click here to submit records for this project.

About the Field Studies Council

Field Studies Council (FSC) is an environmental education charity established in 1943. We are an independent charity receiving no statutory funding and we therefore rely on fees paid by our visitors and on the generosity of donors, trust funds and grant bodies to finance our activities. We believe in first hand experiences - FSC uses the environment to inspire, taking in its sights, sounds and smells has the ability to motivate people, to shift points of view and to broaden horizons. We also believe in opportunities for everyone - FSC strives to provide opportunities for everyone regardless of age, ability or background and some of our proudest moments have arrived when trying to help those that would not otherwise benefit from an FSC experience.

FSC has become internationally respected for its national network of learning locations, international outreach training projects, research programmes, information and publication services and a range of professional training courses. Each year we work in partnership with a number of environmental organisations and community groups to develop and deliver sustainable education projects. FSC has 19 field centres located across the UK, with 2 of these centres being located in Northern Ireland.

 FSC Northern Ireland is comprised of 2 centres; a residential centre located in Derrygonnelly, Co. Fermanagh which is run in partnership with the Derrygonnelly and District Community Enterprises and a day centre located in the Titanic Quarter, Belfast. Our motto is “Bringing Environmental Understanding to All” and our main aim is to provide informative and enjoyable opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to discover, explore, and understand the environment. At FSC Northern Ireland we cater for all ages, providing courses for primary schools, Key stage 1,2 and 3, GCSE and A Level, Leaving Certificate and families.

For more information please visit our website http://www.field-studies-council.org/centres/northern-ireland/derrygonnelly.aspx