Eco-Beo Newsletter

Press Release 28th Feb. 2012

A record breaking amount of children start Ecobeo 2012

A  record-breaking 125 children in 5 Burren schools are taking part in the 2012  Ecobeo heritage education course.  The course increases awareness and appreciation of the heritage of the Burren among the children who live in this special place. It offers a hands-on, fun-learning experience, under the guidance of some of Ireland’s foremost heritage experts. On completion, the students graduate as certified ‘Burren experts’ with a bank of knowledge and enthusiasm that they will carry with them for years to come. Since its launch in 2003, over 750 primary school children from across the Burren have graduated as ‘Burren experts’ under this unique programme.  

Burrenbeo would like to thank Roche Pharmaceuticals and The Carron Group for making Eco Beo happen this year, which has allowed children from Kinvara NS, Kilcolgan Educate Together, Corofin NS, Kilnaboy NS and Ennistymon NS to become immersed in learning about the heritage of the Burren. Between now and their summer holidays these children will learn about the rocks, monuments, wildlife, plants, history, culture and management of the Burren.  We are delighted with the high calibre of course tutors that we have this year including geologists Ronán Hennessy and Kate Lavender, archaeologists Rory O’Shaughnessy and Zena Hoctor, musician and folklore collector Eugene Lambe, artist Eileen Hutton, herbalist Vivienne Campbell and co-funder of Burrenbeo Brendan Dunford.

Here are some quotes from last years course. 

"Rare beautiful flowers and lots of monuments which are nowhere else in the whole world are near us here.  I now know how lucky I am". Thomas, aged 10

"This course is extremely beneficial to the children.  It fosters an interest and appreciation of the place where they live from a young age.  Hence they will have a connection to the Burren and are able to discuss issues with their peers and parents.  It is so rewarding to see the learning that took place, we appreciate the commitment of the Trust to carry this out."  Teacher, Fanore NS

For further comments or information on the Ecobeo education programme please contact Brigid Barry on trust@burrenbeo.com / 091 638096.