The module will provide participants with an in depth appreciation for the crucial role of agroforestry and biodiversity as part of a functional landscape approach in organic and biological agriculture. Participants will describe and identify native species and multi-purpose uses of trees from food, fodder, and fuel production to habitat provision. The vital role and management of field boundary hedgerows for biodiversity, carbon sequestration and water cycling will be appraised as will the importance of developing linked habitats for both domestic and wild native species. Participants will demonstrate field survey skills in aquatic and terrestrial habitats for biodiversity assessment, evaluation, and monitoring.
Agroforestry systems forming integrated functional landscapes in sustainable agriculture
Silvo-pasture and silvo-arable systems for enhanced productivity and profitability
Right tree in the right place to deliver integrated systems and ecosystem services;
Hedgerow management for enhanced soil carbon, biodiverse habitats, and livestock protection
Role of landscape biodiversity for carbon and water cycling and resilient ecosystems
Farming to conserve and enhance functional habitats for both domestic and wild species
Field surveying for assessing, evaluating, and scoring biodiverse landscapes
Policy support and regulations for agroforestry and biodiverse habitat provision under Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 of the CAP;
Discounted / Part-Funded Places Through NOTS: Eligible participants in Ireland can avail of a 50% cost reduction on course fees through our MSc course partners National Organic Training Skillnet. Contact NOTS by calling 071 9640688 or email [email protected] for more information on eligibility for these reduced fees.
Applicants for the Level 9 Certificate in Agroforestry and Landscape Biodiversity should hold a National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Level 8 honours degree in Agri-business and Rural Enterprise, Agriculture, Environmental and Land Science, or other Science-related discipline. Where the demand exceeds the places available, offers will be made in rank order based on applicants’ Grade Point Average (GPA).
Applicants who do not hold a degree in the cognate areas specified but who have relevant industry or practical experience in agriculture or biological systems, or same in conjunction with a Level 8 degree in a non-cognate area may be considered for entry under SETU’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) mechanism. In the case of candidates with qualifications in non-cognate disciplines, equal weighting will be given for GPA qualifications (50%) and a selection interview (50%) to assess prospective candidate’s aptitude and experience relevant to the certificate programme.
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