Training Centre Feature: Glenveagh National Park
Today’s Accredited Training Centre Feature shines the spotlight on Glenveagh National Park, operated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service in Donegal.
As a leader in Conservation education, their aim is to help all visitors to get to know, care for and protect their landscape and biodiversity. They do this through offering a range of outdoor learning programmes and experiences for people of all ages.
Glenveagh was the first national park in Ireland to take up the Leave No Trace Accreditation and the team there are hopeful that other National Parks around the country will follow their lead soon.
As frontline stewards of nature, staff strive to integrate Leave No Trace principles into their daily efforts, especially crucial amidst increasing visitor numbers and their associated impacts. With a dedication to conservation and restoration, and much more Glenveagh National Park offers a unique space for nature education and enriching experiences in one of Ireland’s most cherished natural landscapes.
As a team, they feel their mission as the NPWS to Protect Nature underpins many if not all of the Leave No Trace principles.
Clare Bromley, head guide said: “We are working front line everyday trying to promote responsible outdoor recreation in a European protected area and with growing visitor numbers and impacts, the whole message and ethos behind leave no trace drives a lot of what we do.”
When it comes to teaching habitats, Clare said that the team enjoy teaching in the native woodlands here in the park . “We are undertaking really important woodland conservation and restoration and these areas are just magical to use as a backdrop for outdoor learning.”
During their free time the staff enjoy being outside in nature. taking part in surfing, hiking, sea kayaking and running.
She added: “Monday mornings are always fun catching up with who’s been where and doing what over the weekend!”
