Bizstartup.ie - NewsHeritage events a source of inspiration

“There are so many events and opportunities to engage with there is bound to be something new to do that people hadn’t thought of doing previously. Especially now that some people have more time on their hands, it’s worth looking across the country to see what resources are available outside the FAS office,” said head of communication and education at the Heritage Council, Isabell Smyth.

"National Heritage Week makes our national institutions and a range of arts and crafts very accessible to people – for example the National Gallery is running a workshop around research and conservation of paintings. Some of the workshops require materials but an awful lot of them are free.”

The need for biodiversity skills

Smyth highlighted the growing connection between biodiversity and organic farming, which National Heritage Week embraces.

“The country is going to need a whole range of people in this area in the future, particularly when it comes to climate change. The British Government has published a report highlighting its concerns about the scarcity of people coming through with a knowledge of insects.

“So many National Heritage Week events can help to foster such skills and careers in people. There are events linking farmers to recreational projects, such as a sheep and wool museum and trips to a farm to experience sheep sheering. Some farmers have open farms that allow people to look at biodiversity and wildlife. There are potential new income streams coming from this area.”

In addition to workshops, volunteering for events during National Heritage Week can add to your skillset if you’re contemplating setting up a business. “An awful lot of scientific work is carried out by volunteers, who contribute enormously to our knowledge base,” said Smyth.

Photo: A child in The Burren, courtsey of Burrenbeo Trust