Nest Protection Officers at the Breeding Waders EIP
The Breeding Waders European Innovation Partnership (EIP) is proud to announce the successful development of Ireland's first certified Nest Protection Officer training programme in partnership with Lantra, one of the leading training and awarding organisations serving the land-based, environmental and animal care sectors across the UK and Ireland.
Customised Accreditation
This new Lantra-accredited Customised Award has been developed exclusively by the Breeding Waders EIP to establish recognised professional standards for individuals working in nest protection and predation risk management for the conservation of vulnerable ground-nesting birds.
The Breeding Waders EIP has been at the forefront of developing innovative, ethical and humane approaches to improving breeding success among Ireland's most threatened ground-nesting bird species. Over the last century, human activity and changing land use practices have contributed to significant ecological imbalances. These changes have enabled populations of adaptable generalist predators to increase, while many vulnerable ground-nesting bird species have experienced severe declines, with some now facing the risk of local or national extinction.
As a result, there is now widespread recognition among conservation stakeholders that strategic, targeted and professionally delivered nest protection measures are essential if these species are to survive and recover.
Breeding Waders EIP Senior Project Manager Owen Murphy said:
“Predation risk management, in all its forms, whether through habitat enhancement, exclusion fencing or predator control measures, must be undertaken responsibly, ethically and humanely, and by individuals possessing the appropriate skills, knowledge and experience. The certification of these competencies through Lantra represents a significant milestone for the sector.”
Breeding Waders EIP Nest Protection Manager Donal Beagan said:
"There has been no formal, professional recognition for individuals working in nest protection and predation risk management for ground-nesting bird conservation in Ireland. This qualification provides a recognised standard of excellence, helping ensure that operatives work to the highest levels of professionalism while also creating a clear career pathway for new entrants to the sector."
The certification has been designed to increase professional capacity within the conservation sector while helping to establish nest protection as a recognised profession. The course covered competencies will support workforce development, provide confidence to stakeholders and landowners, and encourage more young people to consider careers in wildlife conservation and habitat management.
The Lantra-accredited Nest Protection Officer course is divided into three specialist units:
- Unit 1: Proficiency with Rifle and Night Shooting
- Unit 2: Trapping and Fieldcraft
- Unit 3: Proficiency in Shotgun Shooting
Each unit combines classroom-based learning and theoretical assessment with practical tuition and competency assessments conducted in realistic, simulated environments.
Training and assessments are delivered with a 1:1 instructor-to-learner ratio, supported by an additional assistant to ensure safety compliance and provide learner support throughout the programme.
Lantra Director, Paula Smyth said:
"This Customised Award demonstrates the value of industry-led training and certification in supporting conservation outcomes. Lantra is delighted to have partnered with the Breeding Waders EIP to develop a recognised professional standard for Nest Protection Officers, ensuring that those undertaking this important work have the competence, knowledge and confidence required to operate safely, ethically and effectively. We look forward to supporting the continued development of skills and professionalism within the conservation sector."
The course is currently available to Nest Protection Officers contracted through the Breeding Waders EIP. Participants must be at least 18 years of age.
This landmark initiative marks a significant step forward in supporting Ireland's ground-nesting bird conservation efforts while establishing a professional framework for the people delivering this critical work on the ground. As a Lantra training provider, the Breeding Waders EIP plans to build further Lantra certified courses for the sector and together with research partners plan to use these competencies to feed into a Level 6 Special Purpose Award.
