Pilot project helps people and nature

Politicians, citizen scientists and ecology experts came together recently to celebrate the work of the award winning free biodiversity training programme Wild Work.

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD joined Cllr Sheila O’Callaghan, Deputising for the Mayor of the County of Cork, Local Development Companies, members of Cork County Council’s Local Community Development Committees (LCDC), citizen scientists and ecology experts to praise Wild Work which was designed to help nature and people.

First established in 2017 by Local Development Company SECAD Partnership, Wild Work has evolved into an innovative co-operation 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.

Those present at the event held at Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens, a Wild Work programme participant, were treated to a preview of 1 of the innovations to emerge from the project, a 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.

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD said: “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. 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.”

CEO at SECAD Partnership, Ryan Howard said: “The Wild Work training integrates online learning with practical outdoor classroom learning, focusing on how best to support local biodiversity and experience mental and physical health benefits as a result of taking part in positive environmental actions. The inclusion of innovative virtual reality experiences brings our toolkit to a new level, embracing the technological world to help us support the natural environment.”