GAP’s Livestock Checkers Course
The livestock checkers course provides a basic introduction to stock checking in the conservation/land-based sector. The course is ideal for beginners, volunteers or anyone with limited experience of livestock. The course covers animal health and welfare, the key legislation, the role and responsibilities of a stock checker and how to safely and effectively check livestock.
One Day Livestock Checkers Course: £75 (lunch is included on the day unless stated otherwise)
GAP training courses are accredited by Lantra Awards and delegates will receive a certificate by post after successful completion of the course. The certification is included in the course cost and represents £15 of the cost. All the trainers GAP uses are also accredited by Lantra.
Click here to find out more about this course [1]
Practical Introduction to Extensive Grazing
This course provides a basic introduction to extensive/conservation grazing and the use of livestock to achieve environmental objectives. The course covers grazing and grazing systems, animal health, welfare and behaviour, the key legislation, the role and responsibilities of a keeper, health & safety and risk assessments and how to safely and effectively carry out livestock handling techniques.
Two Day Practical Introduction to Extensive Grazing Course: £170 (includes lunch unless otherwise stated but does not include accommodation)
GAP training courses are accredited by Lantra Awards and delegates will receive a certificate by post after successful completion of the course. The certification is included in the course cost and represents £15 of the cost. All the trainers GAP uses are also accredited by Lantra.
Click here to find out more about this course [3]
Training Courses
The training programme is created for people involved in the design, management and restoration of landscapes for biodiversity, whether on a farm, smallholding, village green or city park. Each event is led by an individual with practical experience and provides an informal opportunity for participants to learn from an expert and each other.
BOOKINGS
WALES COURSES: Courses are free in Wales as they are supported by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation
OTHER COURSES: £100 per person and £75 per person for employees/volunteers of charities, parish councils, students and those not economically active. 10% discount for early booking for bookings received 28 days before the Event.
For further details of individual events see www.floralocale.org [4] or call 01672 515723.
Ponies, wildflowers and wonderful landscapes Ref SE4
Thursday 29 July Location: mid Kent
Facilitators: Frances Clayton and David Burton
This workshop will look at pony-grazing systems that maintain and restore wildlife rich habitats. Practical techniques that take into account the demands of equine management and landscape and wildlife enhancement will be covered. The workshop will review the use of volunteer pony checkers to support pony grazing on wildlife sites. We will also look at issues and solutions at an equine establishment which has developed innovative approaches to conservation grazing with ponies. In association with the Grazing Advice Partnership.
Grazing with carbon and wildlife in mind Ref N3
Wednesday 22 September Location: Ingleborough Cumbria/ N. Yorkshire
Facilitator: Bill Grayson
This workshop will look at an innovative approach for grazing high environmental value land which takes account of the positive contribution grazing animals can make to climate change mitigation. The system involves the use of winter foggage to rear traditional single suckler beef animals while maintaining herb rich limestone grassland. The workshop will be of particular interest to hill farmers entering Higher Level Scheme agreements and their advisers. There will be a site visit to Ingleborough National Nature Reserve followed by an indoor session, covering the principles of this approach and how it can be applied on hill farms with extensive cattle enterprises. In association with the Grazing Advice Partnership.
Pigs for land Management Ref M2
Wednesday 6 October, 10.30am – 3.30pm Location: Bewdley, Worcestershire
Facilitator: Mark Cleaver, Grazing Advice Partnership
Pigs can be very effective managers of bracken and other undesirable vegetation. This participative workshop will look at pigs in action and will touch on the wide ranging set of land management initiatives that are being developed to maintain and restore traditional landscapes in the Wyre Forest. We will also hear from some leading practitioners about pig projects on land of high environmental value across Britain. Discussion of the key issues and solutions concerning the use of pigs for land management. In association with the Grazing Advice Partnership.
Community farming and landscape restoration Ref SW6
Wednesday 10 November Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire
Facilitator: David Burton, Director, River Bourne Community Farm
This workshop will take a look at the recent history of community farming in southern England and review the key challenges and possible solutions for community farming in both rural and urban situations. The day will involve a field visit to view chalk stream, water meadow and chalk downland habitats in and around River Bourne Community Farm* that are being managed with the help of community supported agriculture. Delegates will have an opportunity to share their own experiences during a facilitated discussion session. *www.riverbournecommunityfarm.org.uk