Go Wild Nature Camps win "Cool of Kids" Heritage Council Award 2017
Go Wild Nature Camps were first delivered in Oughterard and Portumna during Heritage Week 2017. The aim of the nature camps is to connect children (7-10 yrs old) with their local environment through revealing the wonders and importance of local biodiversity. The emphasis is on making nature accessible through practical activities and hands-on learning which include filedtrips, surveys to locate and record wildlife, close encounters with different animals, as well as games and challenges which are designed to explore important environmental topics.
As part of the Go Wild Nature Camps, I run an Aquatic Animal Investigations Workshop which aims to introduce children to the small and sometimes over looked aquatic life found in rivers. They learn about freshwater ecosystems, how to search for aquatic animals, identify them using picture identification guides and whether the animals are indicators of good or bad water quality. The workshop is very practical and hands-on.
As part of the Go Wild Nature Camps, I run an Aquatic Animal Investigations Workshop which aims to introduce children to the small and sometimes over looked aquatic life found in rivers. They learn about freshwater ecosystems, how to search for aquatic animals, identify them using picture identification guides and whether the animals are indicators of good or bad water quality. The workshop is very practical and hands-on.
The Go Wild Nature Camps are funded by the Heritage Council and Galway County Council and delivered by BirdWatch Ireland in association with a range of local conservation, research and community organization including The Vincent Wildlife Trust, Animal Magic, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, National University of Ireland Galway, Oughterard Heritage Group, Oughterard Courthouse Centre, Oughterard Trout Hatchery and the Irish Workhouse Centre in Portumna
All photos are property of Heather Lally