LEAVE NO TRACE TRAINING STRUCTURE
The following structure has been developed to provide trainers with best practice guidelines to ensure consistent delivery of Leave No Trace training programmes. Leave No Trace Ireland training includes an online Introduction to Leave No Trace, Certified Awareness Courses, Trainer Courses and Advanced Trainer Courses.
An Online Introduction to Leave No Trace
This online course introduces participants to the vision and work of Leave No Trace Ireland, including:
- how Leave No Trace skills and ethics can help protect our environment and outdoor spaces and promote responsible, sustainable outdoor pursuits and recreation.
- the role of the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace in achieving these goals.
- the impact that sporting, recreational and leisure activities can have on our natural environment.
Certified Awareness Course
Our Certified Awareness Course comprises six hours of training and can be easily adapted for specific audiences, environments, or recreational needs. The one-day course is ideally suited to outdoor educators, teachers, college students, outdoor pursuit and recreation professionals, hiking club members, Tidy Towns Committees, community groups or anyone with an interest in learning more about Leave No Trace vision and skills.
At the heart of all courses are the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace which provide an easily understood framework of minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors. Participants on this course receive introductory training on
- how Leave No Trace skills and ethics can help protect our environment and outdoor spaces and promote responsible, sustainable outdoor pursuits and recreation.
- the role of the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace in achieving these goals.
- the impact that sporting, recreational and leisure activities can have on our natural environment.
- how Leave No Trace skills and practices can help to mitigate and minimise those impacts.
Trainer Course
Building on the introductory skills developed in the Certified Awareness Course the two-day Leave No Trace Trainer Course is a vital component of the national Leave No Trace Ireland programme. This two-day course is designed for individuals who will be delivering Leave No Trace Ireland Awareness Courses in the future or incorporating Leave No Trace in other programmes.
Combining short classroom discussions and lectures with practical classes and adventures, this course focuses on the practical delivery of the Leave No Trace Ireland Seven Principles and outdoor ethics. Each participant is assigned a Leave No Trace topic and asked to prepare a short presentation for their peers. This course equips participants with the tools and techniques for promoting the core Leave No Trace principles and practices and is a pre-requisite for registration as a Leave No Trace Accredited Trainer.
Advanced Trainer Course
The five-day Advanced Trainer Course is the highest level of training provided by Leave No Trace Ireland. This course provides participants with a comprehensive training on Leave No Trace skills and principles, taught through practical application during a largely field-based course. Participants learn minimum impact techniques through multiple methods including discussions, scenarios, demonstrations, and hands-on activities.
On completion of this course, attendees are fully equipped with the knowledge and practical skills to be effective trainers and leaders in the Leave No Trace ethos. The course explores various teaching styles, effective communication techniques and individual and class lesson presentation skills. Successful graduates of the Advanced Trainer Course are qualified to offer both Leave No Trace Trainer Courses and Awareness Courses. Furthermore, Leave No Trace Advanced Trainers work with the organisation to consult and advise on special projects.