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From:Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

A major step forward for ground-nesting bird conservation and professional standards in Ireland

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, have today (Thursday 17th September) launched a new, accredited Nest Protection Officer Training Programme. Nest protection is a conservation measure which improves the breeding success of vulnerable ground nesting birds by protecting nests, eggs and chicks from threats such as predation, disturbance and habitat pressure.

This new training programme was developed by the Breeding Waders European Innovation Partnership (EIP) in partnership with Lantra, one of the leading training and awarding organisations serving the land-based, environmental and animal care sectors across the UK and Ireland. The Breeding Waders European Innovation Partnership is supported by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

The course is currently available to Nest Protection Officers contracted through the Breeding Waders EIP.

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, said:

“Nest protection is one of the most effective conservation measures available to support the recovery of our ground nesting birds. By safeguarding nests, eggs and chicks during the breeding season it can significantly improve breeding success and help secure the future of some of Ireland’s most vulnerable and threatened species.

“This new course represents a major step forward in our conservation efforts. As well as delivering practical skills, confidence and new knowledge, it strengthens our national capacity to achieve long term conservation goals. For the first time, it establishes a recognised, professional standard for those working to protect these birds, helping to build a skilled and dedicated network of conservation practitioners around the country.

“The Breeding Waders EIP has led the way in developing innovative and ethical approaches to conservation of our most vulnerable species of ground nesting birds. This course is another example of that leadership and adds to the range of efforts underway to protect the future of these amazing birds.”

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, said:

“I wish to congratulate the Breeding Waders EIP on another ground-breaking achievement with the Lantra-accredited Customised Award for Nest Protection Officers. This is a testament to the expertise and determination of the whole management team involved with the EIP who, through combining innovation with more established approaches throughout the project, are already delivering results on the ground. I wish the newly qualified Nest Protection Officers every success in their future work protecting Ireland’s ground nesting birds.”

Over the last century, human activity and changing land use practices have contributed to significant ecological imbalances. These changes have left many ground-nesting bird species highly vulnerable to predators, with some now facing the risk of local or national extinction. As a result, there is now widespread recognition among policy makers and conservation stakeholders that strategic, targeted and professionally delivered nest protection measures are essential if these species are to survive and recover.

Breeding Waders EIP Senior Project Manager Owen Murphy said:

“Predation risk management, in all its forms, whether through habitat enhancement, exclusion fencing or predator control measures, must be undertaken responsibly, ethically and humanely, and by individuals possessing the appropriate skills, knowledge and experience. The certification of these competencies through Lantra represents a significant milestone for the sector.”

Breeding Waders EIP Nest Protection Manager Donal Beagan said:

"There has been no formal, professional recognition for individuals working in nest protection and predation risk management for ground-nesting bird conservation in Ireland. This qualification provides a recognised standard of excellence, helping ensure that operatives work to the highest levels of professionalism while also creating a clear career pathway for new entrants to the sector."

The certification has been designed to increase professional capacity within the conservation sector while helping to establish nest protection as a recognised profession. The course covered competencies will support workforce development, provide confidence to stakeholders and landowners, and encourage more young people to consider careers in wildlife conservation and habitat management.

The Lantra-accredited Nest Protection Officer course combines classroom-based learning and theoretical assessment with practical tuition and competency assessments conducted in realistic, simulated environments.

Lantra Director, Paula Smyth said:

"This Customised Award demonstrates the value of industry-led training and certification in supporting conservation outcomes. Lantra is delighted to have partnered with the Breeding Waders EIP to develop a recognised professional standard for Nest Protection Officers, ensuring that those undertaking this important work have the competence, knowledge and confidence required to operate safely, ethically and effectively. We look forward to supporting the continued development of skills and professionalism within the conservation sector."

As a Lantra training provider, the Breeding Waders EIP plans to build further Lantra certified courses for the sector and together with research partners plan to use these competencies to feed into a Level 6 Special Purpose Award.

The Breeding Waders EIP initiative is co-fundedby the European Commission and the Irish Government under the CAP Strategic Plan. In this case, both the National Parks & Wildlife Service and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will fund agri-environmental actions, while the National Parks and Wildlife Service will also fund the Operational Group’s administrative costs.

The Breeding Waders EIP Operational Groupconsists of Irish Rural Link in partnership with Michael Martyn Agri-Environment, Irish Wildlife Services, Atlantic Technological University, University College Dublin, Fota Wildlife Park and Dublin Zoo.

Lantra is a leading awarding organisation for the land-based and environmental sectors across the UK and Ireland. Working closely with industry and employers, Lantra develops accredited training, qualifications and certifications that support professional standards, workforce development and safe working practices across a wide range of industries, including agriculture, forestry, conservation, horticulture and animal care.

For more information, visitwww.lantra.co.uk