NPWS Education
The National Parks & Wildlife Service runs a series of Education Centres around the country. The Education Centres aim to raise awareness of the natural world and of conservation. Programmes are free of charge to schools, and to the general public. Each centre offers site specific programmes, but typically, they may offer Nature Awareness programmes to primary schools and ecology and geography fieldwork to secondary schools. They may also offer special events and tours for the public.
Aims of National Parks & Wildlife Service's Education Programme:
- To promote respect, understanding and care for heritage and particularly for the natural world.
- To encourage the development of environmentally friendly practices.
- To inform the public about the National Parks and Wildlife service and their role in conservation.
Education first started in Wicklow Mountains National Park in 1992 when an education programme was set up by Guide staff. The programme was operated out of the Information Office at the Upper Lake, Glendalough for 3-4 months of the year. By 1996 the programme was catering for up to 5,000 children each year. In 1998 a new education centre was established in a restored 19th century miners' cottage known as Bolger's Cottage beside the Upper Lake in Glendalough.
NPWS Education Centres
NPWS has a network of Education Centres around the country. Some operate all year round, whilst others are seasonal. For details of all NPWS Education Centres, please click here.