Galway Rural Development paired with biodiversity training specialists Veri to deliver water biodiversity training courses to volunteers. The training participants were from a broad range of sectors including farming, angling community groups as well as Tidy Towns committees. The programme was funded under the Rural Environment Theme of the LEADER Programme which is delivered by Galway Rural Development. The course was designed in conjunction with LAWPRO, the Local Authority Water Programme and delivered by ecologist Kieran Cowhig. The aim of the training was to help participants to understand the need to conserve and protect our water resources and the biodiversity therein.

The first half of the course began in September 2021, covering a number of topics including water quality, citizen science and environmental pressures on Galway rivers and lakes. It was delivered online to nearly 100 participants, as well as field trips to the Nanny River in Tuam, the Clarin River at Athenry Castle, the Raford River, the Headford Stream at Headford Anglers Hatchery and the Ballinure River at Aughrim Climate Action Park.

The second half of the course was the practical side, where Kieran facilitated work to develop action based plans with 40 volunteers to improve the water quality of the area. Participants from different areas also had a site visit to Ballymoe, Athenry, and Abbeyknockmoy, where they looked at potential projects that could be carried out to enhance biodiversity and to protect water quality. There was also a study visit to the Ballynalty Stream and Black River where participants met Professor Ken Whelan and learned about the restoration of salmon and trout spawning habitats.

This free training opportunity ended with an evening celebration of achievement on April 12th at the Claregalway Hotel. This networking event designed to allow participants to connect and share, proved to be an engaging and informative evening. In attendance on the night were Development Officer Claire Conroy, Chairperson Anne Kinsella and other members of the Board of Galway Rural Development. It was heartening to see the pride that people have for the beautiful rivers and streams of East Galway.

The evening ended with Anne Kinsella, Chairperson of Galway Rural Development presenting participants with a certificate of completion. The participants at the event were able to borrow equipment that was funded under this project, to support their action plans by continuing to test and sample water quality in their areas in the coming months and years. Claire Conroy, Development Officer thanked all participants for their time and efforts in completing the training and wished them the very best with their future plans and projects.