Teaching Nature in our Local Place (Gartan NS)

Discover the natural world right on your doorstep—and learn how to bring it to life in your classroom.

Overview
This course is designed to empower teachers with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills to explore their local environment through hands-on, active learning.

Learning Outcomes
Participants will investigate a variety of habitats unique to their area, while developing the language and vocabulary needed to meaningfully engage students with the natural world.

You will also delve into the realities of climate change—understanding its impact on our environment—and explore the essential ecosystem services that sustain everyday life.

Now more than ever, our natural world needs our attention. It is becoming increasingly fragile, and raising awareness starts with what we can see and experience around us. This course will help you recognise the value of what’s on your doorstep—and inspire the next generation to do the same.

Facilitator - Aengus Kennedy
Aengus Kennedy is natureNorthWests lead guide and has worked in the area of environmental education for the last 14 years, self-employed at NatureNorthWest for the last nine.  With a previous background in outdoor pursuits followed by car sales, Aengus attended college in UCC in 2012-2014, specialising in field ecology.

Aengus currently delivers contracts for An Taisce’s Green Schools program, is a member of the Heritage in Schools Scheme, works with Leave No Trace, delivers Leaving Cert river and ecology study programs for the ETB and delivers biodiversity workshops for a number of county councils in Ireland.  Aengus has lead dozens of guided walks for adult groups in a number of different habitats.  He delivers department of education approved teacher training courses annually and has a regular nature slot on Highland radio, a local radio station in Donegal.

Aengus has nine years experience delivering habitat studies, bird, bat and flora surveys and is a member of the Community Foundation Irelands directory of ecologists.  In the recent years Aengus has written and delivered introduction to ecology and introduction to biodiversity courses for community and environmental groups.  He recently completed a Biodiversity Action Plan Carndonagh and Culdaff Tidy Town groups.

Summer Course Booking Policy
- Lunch will be provided daily.
- Our summer courses are booked on the condition that the course fee is non-refundable.
- Unfortunately, if you wish to cancel your place on one of our courses or are unable to attend the course, we are not in a position to refund fees.
- County Donegal Education Support Centre reserves the right to cancel a Summer Course where there are not sufficient numbers to run the course.
- In the event of the Centre having to cancel your course, you will be offered an alternative course or offered a full refund.
- In line with DES Circular 0037/1997, participants attending Summer Courses accrue entitlements as follows: 

• Full Attendance (20 Hours): 3 EPV Days
• 4 Days Attendance (16 Hours): 2 EPV Days
• No EPV days will be awarded for less than 4 days attendance 

Thank you for your continued support of the County Donegal Education Support Centre. 

Closing Date for Registration is Friday 19th June 2026