Island Ecology – A Summer School on Cape Clear  

The timetable refers to the course that ran in July 2007, the 2010 course will follow a very similar format.

Monday 5^th –  Friday 9^th July 2010

Éiceolaíocht Oileán

A course organised by Dr. Geoff Oliver and Dr. Paddy Sleeman on behalf of Comharchumann Chléire Teo, Cape Clear Island, Co. Cork             

Islands are fascinating places and Cape Clear is no exception.  Situated approximately 9 miles off the south west coast of Ireland it is a famous place for numerous species of rare migratory birds and a well-known sighting point for cetaceans.  It has a dramatic and beautiful landscape and can be easily and safely explored on foot. 

As a participant on this summer school, you will discover habitats in the hedgerows, fields and seashore and explore the rich variety of flowers on the island.  You will learn the basic skills of bird and whale watching from experts and learn other hands on skills such as diet analysis of native animals. 

There will be presentations on pressing environmental issues such as sustainability, biodiversity and conservation, given from a local perspective, and offering unique and valuable insights. 

Cape Clear is one of the few remaining Gaeltacht areas in Ireland.  It has a rich linguistic and cultural heritage.  You will look at ancient remains and hear of some of the high and low points of the island’s 5,000 year history from a well known local historian.   A professional linguist and Irish speaker will talk on the language and explore some of the evocative meanings and stories behind the local dialect.  

It’s a busy 5 days but there will be ample opportunity for wandering, spontaneity and fun. 

Course Cost: €200

Now in its ninth year Island Ecology is led by Dr Geoff Oliver and Dr Paddy Sleeman.   

Booking form  Course timetable    

Geoff Oliver first visited Cape Clear on a birdwatching holiday in the 1960s and has been living on the island for over 10 years now. He went to Exeter University as a mature student and gained a BSc in Biology and Geography in 1989 and a PhD from University Dublin in 2005 for a study of coastal lagoons. He is now based on Cape Clear and works as a self-employed biologist doing survey work mostly of coastal lagoons, estuaries and birds

Paddy Sleeman holds a degree in ecology from the University of Ulster and did his PhD on the Irish stoat at University College, Cork.  He has worked on several wild mammals on both sides of the Irish border and in Britain.  He has worked in South Africa, Zanzibar and Madagascar and is involved in the ecological reconstruction of islands.  He is currently studying badgers and TB in south-west Ireland.

This course is open to all and is also an approved Department of Education summer course for primary school teachers.

Accommodation:: www.oilean-chleire.ie/english/accom1.htm  Nature's Calendar / Biodiversity Project mapping site www.biology.ie

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