What we do

In 2012 we aim to organise a number of fortnight-long placements for groups of up to 15 volunteers from the UK (note: travel time needs to be added). These group placements will carry out practical habitat management or butterfly monitoring programmes for our partners.

We also intend to set up traineeships which will involve individual placements of 4-6 weeks duration with small-scale agricultural or food-production enterprises in Europe, preceded by 2-4 weeks with similar enterprises in the UK. These are aimed at adults who will use this experience to enable them to become involved in this sector on a longer term basis.

Ecological and Cultural Training

The placements are a fantastic experience and great fun, but the training element is also of prime importance (as it is in all Leonardo-funded schemes). The two week placements provide a superb opportunity not only to learn about the wildlife and its ecology in other parts of Europe, but also to understand conservation challenges and management techniques in a European context. In addition, there are many cultural activities built into the programme, including tours and presentations to learn about the history, economy and customs of the area.

Cost

The placements are free - the grant covers the return journey from the UK by rail and minibus, all board and lodging, the ecological and cultural training and any skills training in advance of the visits (many participants have undertaken powertools and First Aid courses in advance of their visits).

Preparation Weekends

Prior to the placements, participants join in training weekends at The Kingcombe Centre to enable them to get to know others in their group, to meet participants from previous EuCAN visits, to learn about the places they are going to visit and a bit more about the scheme, and to take part in conservation activities or species monitoring on our local Butterfly Conservation reserves at Alners Gorse and Lankham Bottom and the nearby Dorset Wildlife Trust reserve at Powerstock Common.