INSPIRING PEOPLE, IMPROVING PLACESwww.btcv.org/naturaltalent Rats, Weeds and Awareness Lyn Byrne BTCV Natural Talent Invasive Species Apprentice

INSPIRING PEOPLE, IMPROVING PLACESwww.btcv.org/naturaltalent BTCV Natural Talent Apprenticeship Scheme “BTCV Scotland's Natural Talent apprenticeship scheme is leading the charge against the loss of specialist ecological skills in the UK's environmental sector. Set up in 2006, with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, BTCV Scotland has worked towards training the next generation of experts in specialist habitat management and taxonomic skills. Working in partners such as RGBE, LNAC, NIEA, NT and SNH 19 apprenticeships have been recruited in fields ranging from mycology, bryology and lichenology through to farmland conservation and invasive species management. BTCV are looking for the final 12 month apprenticeship, starting early next year, to be based Northern Ireland.”

INSPIRING PEOPLE, IMPROVING PLACESwww.btcv.org/naturaltalent BTCV Natural Talent Invasive Species Apprenticeship Host Organisation Lough Neagh Advisory Committee Mentors John Early, NIEA Mark Horton, Ballinderry Fish Hatchery

INSPIRING PEOPLE, IMPROVING PLACESwww.btcv.org/naturaltalent BTCV Natural Talent Invasive Species Apprenticeship Training Workshops Laboratory visits Volunteer days Conferences

INSPIRING PEOPLE, IMPROVING PLACESwww.btcv.org/naturaltalent Rams Island Rat Eradication

INSPIRING PEOPLE, IMPROVING PLACESwww.btcv.org/naturaltalent Ballinderry River Non-Native Invasive Plant Control Programme Catchment wide alien plant control programme Volunteer workforce Community Landfill Tax funded Part of RIPPLE ( Rivers, Involving People, Places and Leading by Example ) First project of it’s kind in NI

INSPIRING PEOPLE, IMPROVING PLACESwww.btcv.org/naturaltalent Education & Awareness Education packs Games, activity sheets Awareness Events Training courses, awareness days

INSPIRING PEOPLE, IMPROVING PLACESwww.btcv.org/naturaltalent Apprenticeship Schemes Creating a focus at a community level Promoting good practice within communities Bridging the gap between advisory networks and people on the ground Affordable dedicated workforce

INSPIRING PEOPLE, IMPROVING PLACESwww.btcv.org/naturaltalent Volunteers Key to invasive species management Personal connection with local environment Key percentage of workforce Help sustain the longevity of projects There happy to be paid in cake