Discover the wildlife, habitats and natural processes of our rivers and streams through practical, hands-on exploration of freshwater....

Join Field Studies Ireland for a practical introduction to Rivers and Streams, exploring the wildlife, habitats and natural processes found within our freshwater environments.

This fully outdoor course introduces participants to the biodiversity of rivers and streams, while also understanding the geomorphic processes that influence and shape our rivers.

We will investigate how rivers and streams form and change throughout the landscape, exploring how flowing water shapes habitats and influences the wildlife found within them.

Participants will explore practical approaches to freshwater species identification, habitat observation, and simple biodiversity surveying. We will investigate aquatic invertebrates, river characteristics and the relationships between flowing water, surrounding landscapes and freshwater ecosystems.

Learning will be grounded in direct observation and hands-on fieldwork, using accessible equipment and simple techniques that participants can continue to practise in their own local environments.

Field Studies Ireland is a not-for-profit organisation specialising in Outdoor Education. Our expertise lies in using Outdoor Education as a methodology across a wide range of subjects, settings and environments, placing us in a unique position to deliver practical, meaningful training. We exist to empower access to Outdoor Education, helping people and organisations bring what they do outdoors, for the benefit of education, development and wellbeing.

Who is this course for?

This introductory course is suitable for adults wishing to explore rivers and streams for the first time, and anyone interested in refreshing or developing their existing knowledge.

It is particularly relevant to teachers, educators, youth workers, volunteers, environmental professionals, nature enthusiasts and others interested in understanding and connecting with freshwater environments. No previous experience is required.

What to expect

Expect a friendly, practical and engaging learning experience, delivered outdoors in freshwater environments.

Participants will spend the course exploring river and stream habitats, identifying wildlife and practising simple fieldwork techniques, supported by shared experiences and opportunities to develop their knowledge through direct observation and discovery.

This course also provides a foundation for those wishing to progress to relevant certified ‘Leading’ courses, where the focus moves towards sharing environmental knowledge and facilitating meaningful outdoor learning experiences for others.

As this course takes place in and around freshwater environments, participants should expect uneven terrain, changing weather conditions and potentially wet ground. Suitable outdoor clothing and footwear are required, with wellington boots recommended.

Group Training

Field Studies Ireland regularly delivers this training directly to organisations, teams and community groups, often within their own local outdoor environments. The courses advertised here are intended for individuals or small groups wishing to join scheduled training.

If you would like to arrange training for your own group, please contact Field Studies Ireland to discuss your requirements. bookings@fieldstudies.ie

Description supplied by the event organiser.