Monday, February 4, 2008
What some Greenbox network members are up to
Great article in The Daily Telegraph www.telegraph.co.uk about a walk Martin McGuigan took Christopher Somerville in the Sperrins .Worth a look. Look under Travel and then Activity & Adventure
Bear Essentials Bawnboy
Creativity Day Course for Easter at Bear Essentials Bawnboy,Co.Cavan
Experience making an Easter Bunny, bread baking & Easter decorations
for children boys & girls age 6-18 years
on Wednesday 19th of March 10am-4pm
Please enrol now Tel: 049 9523461 email: info@bearessentials.ie or book on line at www.bearessentials.ie
Experience making an Easter Bunny, bread baking & Easter decorations
for children boys & girls age 6-18 years
on Wednesday 19th of March 10am-4pm
Please enrol now Tel: 049 9523461 email: info@bearessentials.ie or book on line at www.bearessentials.ie
The Organic Centre
Rossinvers' Organic Centre bids farewell to successful students from 2007
The twelve full-time students came together last Friday to celebrate their very successful completion of the FETAC-Level 5 accredited course in organic horticulture supported by FAS. While St.Brigid was ringing in the the new season with snowflakes and bitterly cold temperatures the students where looking back on their achievements and experiences of the last year and ahead into their future career in organic horticulture.
Most part of the training took place at The Organic Centre, using the horticultural facilities, such as the polytunnels and a large outdoor vegetable production area as well as the orchard and softfruit area to demonstrate hands-on horticultural methods to successfully grow fruit and vegetable organically. During the summer students trained and worked closely together with the experienced gardenteam from The Organic Centre.
The students also received classroom teachings and lectures delivered by Organic Centre staff and guest speakers to back up the practical training.
The combination of the two ways of learning proofed very successful for the students and their trainers showing in high grades achieved in botany, organic crop protection, organic food crops and organic soil management exams and projects.
During the winter month a "Start your own Business" course plus four weeks of work experience outside The Organic Centre rounded off the diverse course in Organic Horticulture.
On the 18th of February 2008 The Organic Centre will welcome a new group of students to train in organic horticulture in an exciting eight module FETAC-course.
For more information on this course ring The Organic Centre at 071-9854338 or FAS in Sligo
The twelve full-time students came together last Friday to celebrate their very successful completion of the FETAC-Level 5 accredited course in organic horticulture supported by FAS. While St.Brigid was ringing in the the new season with snowflakes and bitterly cold temperatures the students where looking back on their achievements and experiences of the last year and ahead into their future career in organic horticulture.
Most part of the training took place at The Organic Centre, using the horticultural facilities, such as the polytunnels and a large outdoor vegetable production area as well as the orchard and softfruit area to demonstrate hands-on horticultural methods to successfully grow fruit and vegetable organically. During the summer students trained and worked closely together with the experienced gardenteam from The Organic Centre.
The students also received classroom teachings and lectures delivered by Organic Centre staff and guest speakers to back up the practical training.
The combination of the two ways of learning proofed very successful for the students and their trainers showing in high grades achieved in botany, organic crop protection, organic food crops and organic soil management exams and projects.
During the winter month a "Start your own Business" course plus four weeks of work experience outside The Organic Centre rounded off the diverse course in Organic Horticulture.
On the 18th of February 2008 The Organic Centre will welcome a new group of students to train in organic horticulture in an exciting eight module FETAC-course.
For more information on this course ring The Organic Centre at 071-9854338 or FAS in Sligo
Thursday, January 17, 2008
greenbox photo competition
Hi guys
Our photo competition produced some spectacular shots of the region. We'll start presenting them on this blog, as well as on the main Greenbox site and of course on the postcards, which we'll be distributing soon.
Here is the winning pic, taken by Tim McEvitt, of a boat ready to head over to Inishrath. The early morning mist, the prayer bag hanging from the tree, the authenticity of the scene, the framing of the key images all contributed to its placing in gold medal position.
Ollie
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Organic Centre Courses 2008
The Organic Centre, Rossinver, Co. Leitrim has just published their new courses and training programme for 2008.
The programme seeks to offer practical advice and enjoyable opportunities for the increasing numbers of people interested in organic gardening and horticulture courses. As oil prices continue to rise, we are likely to see profound changes affecting transport, food production, housing and energy sources. We strongly believe that our courses can help to prepare for these changes. We try to give course participants the skills, knowledge and confidence they will need to make changes leading to a more sustainable lifestyle. Our courses will also help reinvigorate local communities through training and other supports.
Highlights of the 2008 programme are
The Complete Organic Garden Course in Leitrim, Clare and Wicklow, starting in February 2008.
Advanced Gardening
Gardening in small spaces
Learn how to live the good life
Cooking with the Grass Roof Café
Please find attached training and course programme. If you need any more information please don’t hesitate to contact me at the centre.
Hans Wieland
Training and course co-ordinator
071-9854338
hansorganiccentre@eircom.net
The programme seeks to offer practical advice and enjoyable opportunities for the increasing numbers of people interested in organic gardening and horticulture courses. As oil prices continue to rise, we are likely to see profound changes affecting transport, food production, housing and energy sources. We strongly believe that our courses can help to prepare for these changes. We try to give course participants the skills, knowledge and confidence they will need to make changes leading to a more sustainable lifestyle. Our courses will also help reinvigorate local communities through training and other supports.
Highlights of the 2008 programme are
The Complete Organic Garden Course in Leitrim, Clare and Wicklow, starting in February 2008.
Advanced Gardening
Gardening in small spaces
Learn how to live the good life
Cooking with the Grass Roof Café
Please find attached training and course programme. If you need any more information please don’t hesitate to contact me at the centre.
Hans Wieland
Training and course co-ordinator
071-9854338
hansorganiccentre@eircom.net
Christmas Goodies
Christmas Gift Vouchers
From Ard Nahoo
Stuck for a gift idea? Why not give something that will really be appreciated. Ard Nahoo Gift Vouchers can be given for a number of day retreats, treatments and chillout breaks, or a cash value.
The Stressbuster €90
Relax and unwind with an Uisce Hour (a session in our indoor/outdoor wet area, including Detox Box Sauna and Hot Tub) and then indulge in a massage of your choice. Your day includes detox tea and healthy snacks.
The Detox Treat €75
Repair your body after the festive period with a session in our Detox Box followed by a massage. Includes detox tea and healthy snacks.
Uisce Hour €30pp
Soak away your cares with a session in our Uisce Area, complete with detox box, steam room and hot tub. Lay back in the bubbles and gaze upon Loch Nahoo. Minimum of 2 people per session.
Yoga & Relaxation Retreat €90
Balance body and mind with a yoga session in our stunning new studio, along with a restorative Uisce Hour. A delicious organic light lunch will be served, along with detox tea and healthy snacks throughout the day.
Chillout Weekend €300
The ultimate gift! A chillout weekend break offers our Eco Cabin for the weekend, sleeping 2 - 4. Included is an organic welcome pack to make your stay as comfortable as possible. You can book in for treatments or an Uisce Hour, or use Ard Nahoo as a base to explore the beautiful local area.
Retreat Vouchers
Why not treat a loved one to a retreat? In Spring 2008, we have numerous retreats planned. A gift voucher for one of these weekend breaks would be the perfect way to bring in the new year.
Yoga & Relaxation - 22nd - 24th Feb €350pp
This weekend retreat focuses on asana practice, pranayama (breath work), relaxation techniques and visualisation. There will be plenty of free time to soak in the hot tub, or to explore the local area.
Mammas & Pappas - 7th - 9th March €395pp
An exciting new retreat preparing prospective parents for childbirth and beyond. With groundings in yoga, the weekend will cover acupressure and breathing as well as birth rehearsal. Pregnancy is an exciting but daunting time, and our retreat is aimed at calming those nerves in a safe and supportive atmosphere.
Eco Retreat - 10th - 13th April €410pp
Our certified Eco Retreat is really something special. Connect with your inner self as well as the surrounding beauty of nature. Enjoy herb walks, daily yoga, guest teachers and native exploration. The weekend promises great food, likeminded company and the chance to truly transform yourself.
From Ard Nahoo
Stuck for a gift idea? Why not give something that will really be appreciated. Ard Nahoo Gift Vouchers can be given for a number of day retreats, treatments and chillout breaks, or a cash value.
The Stressbuster €90
Relax and unwind with an Uisce Hour (a session in our indoor/outdoor wet area, including Detox Box Sauna and Hot Tub) and then indulge in a massage of your choice. Your day includes detox tea and healthy snacks.
The Detox Treat €75
Repair your body after the festive period with a session in our Detox Box followed by a massage. Includes detox tea and healthy snacks.
Uisce Hour €30pp
Soak away your cares with a session in our Uisce Area, complete with detox box, steam room and hot tub. Lay back in the bubbles and gaze upon Loch Nahoo. Minimum of 2 people per session.
Yoga & Relaxation Retreat €90
Balance body and mind with a yoga session in our stunning new studio, along with a restorative Uisce Hour. A delicious organic light lunch will be served, along with detox tea and healthy snacks throughout the day.
Chillout Weekend €300
The ultimate gift! A chillout weekend break offers our Eco Cabin for the weekend, sleeping 2 - 4. Included is an organic welcome pack to make your stay as comfortable as possible. You can book in for treatments or an Uisce Hour, or use Ard Nahoo as a base to explore the beautiful local area.
Retreat Vouchers
Why not treat a loved one to a retreat? In Spring 2008, we have numerous retreats planned. A gift voucher for one of these weekend breaks would be the perfect way to bring in the new year.
Yoga & Relaxation - 22nd - 24th Feb €350pp
This weekend retreat focuses on asana practice, pranayama (breath work), relaxation techniques and visualisation. There will be plenty of free time to soak in the hot tub, or to explore the local area.
Mammas & Pappas - 7th - 9th March €395pp
An exciting new retreat preparing prospective parents for childbirth and beyond. With groundings in yoga, the weekend will cover acupressure and breathing as well as birth rehearsal. Pregnancy is an exciting but daunting time, and our retreat is aimed at calming those nerves in a safe and supportive atmosphere.
Eco Retreat - 10th - 13th April €410pp
Our certified Eco Retreat is really something special. Connect with your inner self as well as the surrounding beauty of nature. Enjoy herb walks, daily yoga, guest teachers and native exploration. The weekend promises great food, likeminded company and the chance to truly transform yourself.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Launch of Greenbox Ecotourism Label
PRESS RELEASE
Ireland’s lead in the €5 billion global ecotourism sector was further enhanced this week when The Greenbox Company publicly launched its innovative Ecotourism Labelling System and also acknowledged the first ecotourism holiday and short break packages to be accredited by the system at a special awards ceremony. The launch took place at Fáilte Ireland’s annual National Tourism Conference on 27th November, which this year took the theme of “Tourism and the Environment 2007, Current Climate, Future Trends”. In total twelve individual businesses operating in the Greenbox region were awarded their certificates by Shaun Quinn, CEO Fáilte Ireland and Mr David Sollitt, Executive Director of The International Ecotourism Society (TIES).
Work on the label began in autumn 2006 by a panel comprised of Greenbox Staff and Greenbox Network member businesses, as well as representatives from Sligo Institute of Technology and The Western Development Commission (WDC). Over a number of months a set of criteria was designed that would reflect the efforts of existing ecotourism operators in the Greenbox region, who were already providing experiences for guests that were “based in nature, providing interpretation and information, environmentally friendly, contributing to conservation and local communities, responsibly marketed and culturally respectful”. Criteria were also chosen that would reflect the uniqueness of the region, particularly in a cross border peace and reconciliation context.
The standard was piloted in Spring 2007 by a number of tourism businesses and involved the provision of a training and mentoring programme for those embarking on the certification process. In the Autumn the first applications were assessed and approved by an independent panel comprised of representatives from Fáilte Ireland, National Standards Authority of Ireland and the Environmental Protection Agency.
The development of an ecotourism sector in Ireland is regarded as an important strategy in addressing recent issues including the trend towards shorter urban breaks which has posed significant challenges for rural areas. The North West in particular has experienced a 19.4% decline in international visitor numbers between 2000 and 2004. Ecotourism by its nature tends to be more rural and visitors tend to spend 8-14 days per trip. Based on international figures, the Irish market has a potential value of up to €51 million a year.
Speaking at the event Greenbox CEO Mary Mulvey said “ Today really marks a watershed in Irish tourism and a way forward to develop a new type of tourism based on strongly held environmental principles and closely linked to learning, conservation and local communities. The Greenbox has developed a practical and user friendly Ecotourism Labelling approach which is designed to meet the need of small businesses. The ecotourism packages created to date have been very well received by tour operators and the responsible travel media”.
A cross-border initiative, the Greenbox is Ireland’s first integrated ecotourism destination. In 2006-2007 the Greenbox Capital Development Programme encouraged €4 million of private sector investment in the ecotourism sector. The organisation has grown to cover a network of more than 150 attractions, activity providers, guest houses, health farms, organic operators and leisure centres throughout Fermanagh, Leitrim, West Cavan, North Sligo, South Donegal and North West Monaghan. For more information click on to www.greenbox.ie for a flavour of the Greenbox ecotourism breaks that will be available in 2008.
Ireland’s lead in the €5 billion global ecotourism sector was further enhanced this week when The Greenbox Company publicly launched its innovative Ecotourism Labelling System and also acknowledged the first ecotourism holiday and short break packages to be accredited by the system at a special awards ceremony. The launch took place at Fáilte Ireland’s annual National Tourism Conference on 27th November, which this year took the theme of “Tourism and the Environment 2007, Current Climate, Future Trends”. In total twelve individual businesses operating in the Greenbox region were awarded their certificates by Shaun Quinn, CEO Fáilte Ireland and Mr David Sollitt, Executive Director of The International Ecotourism Society (TIES).
Work on the label began in autumn 2006 by a panel comprised of Greenbox Staff and Greenbox Network member businesses, as well as representatives from Sligo Institute of Technology and The Western Development Commission (WDC). Over a number of months a set of criteria was designed that would reflect the efforts of existing ecotourism operators in the Greenbox region, who were already providing experiences for guests that were “based in nature, providing interpretation and information, environmentally friendly, contributing to conservation and local communities, responsibly marketed and culturally respectful”. Criteria were also chosen that would reflect the uniqueness of the region, particularly in a cross border peace and reconciliation context.
The standard was piloted in Spring 2007 by a number of tourism businesses and involved the provision of a training and mentoring programme for those embarking on the certification process. In the Autumn the first applications were assessed and approved by an independent panel comprised of representatives from Fáilte Ireland, National Standards Authority of Ireland and the Environmental Protection Agency.
The development of an ecotourism sector in Ireland is regarded as an important strategy in addressing recent issues including the trend towards shorter urban breaks which has posed significant challenges for rural areas. The North West in particular has experienced a 19.4% decline in international visitor numbers between 2000 and 2004. Ecotourism by its nature tends to be more rural and visitors tend to spend 8-14 days per trip. Based on international figures, the Irish market has a potential value of up to €51 million a year.
Speaking at the event Greenbox CEO Mary Mulvey said “ Today really marks a watershed in Irish tourism and a way forward to develop a new type of tourism based on strongly held environmental principles and closely linked to learning, conservation and local communities. The Greenbox has developed a practical and user friendly Ecotourism Labelling approach which is designed to meet the need of small businesses. The ecotourism packages created to date have been very well received by tour operators and the responsible travel media”.
A cross-border initiative, the Greenbox is Ireland’s first integrated ecotourism destination. In 2006-2007 the Greenbox Capital Development Programme encouraged €4 million of private sector investment in the ecotourism sector. The organisation has grown to cover a network of more than 150 attractions, activity providers, guest houses, health farms, organic operators and leisure centres throughout Fermanagh, Leitrim, West Cavan, North Sligo, South Donegal and North West Monaghan. For more information click on to www.greenbox.ie for a flavour of the Greenbox ecotourism breaks that will be available in 2008.
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