Ecological Restoration joins curricula at Norway’s Green Vocational School (VEA)
At TEAM#UP we are making significant steps in developing course programs focused on ecological restoration.
The Norwegian team in the project, consisting of Norway’s Green Vocational School (Norgesgrønnefagskole – VEA), the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), and Hæhre Entreprenør, has developed a program tailored towards the needs of the industry to meet the demand for a new generation of skilled professionals in this field
A Diverse Selection of Courses
Drawing from their extensive experience in organizing and delivering courses, VEA and NINA have designed a series of courses to cover various aspects of ecological restoration, which will be available in the near future.
The preliminary course program for ecological restoration includes:
Introduction to Ecological Restoration (web course)
This is a foundational course that provides knowledge about the principles and practices of ecological restoration. It lays a foundation for the other courses in ecological restoration, covering everything from ecological theory to practical examples of how to implement restoration activities in various landscapes. The introductory course is included as part of each of the other courses.
Establishing Flower Meadows (coming mid-2025)
This course focuses will teach how to establish a flower meadow and the management required for a newly established meadow. Flower meadows are habitats that can support many species, particularly pollinating insects. Participants will learn about species selection, seed sourcing, soil preparation, and maintenance to ensure the flower meadow becomes a vibrant and diverse ecosystem.
Flower meadow. Credit: Grethe Bøhn Busterud
Management and Maintenance of Flower Meadows (coming mid-2025)
This course provides knowledge on the prerequisites and methods for establishing a meadow in an existing grass area, as well as how to care for the established meadows. Participants will gain insight into how to best maintain the flower meadow over time, including weed management and periodic mowing. We will follow the demonstration area for flower meadows at VEA here.
Watercourse restoration (coming 2025/26)
This course addresses the methods for reopening streams that have previously been piped or otherwise modified. Stream opening is a crucial part of restoring natural waterways, which in turn supports biodiversity, prevents flooding, and improves water quality in the surroundings.
Stream to the south down towards the lake Mjøsa. Credit: ASS 2023
Peatland Restoration (coming spring/summer 2025)
Peatlands play a critical role in carbon storage and water filtration, making their restoration essential to counter and mitigate the effects of climate change. The course on peatland restoration offers an in-depth introduction to techniques for restoring drained or degraded peatlands.
Education for the Future of Nature Conservation
TEAM#UP’s course program is part of a broader effort to increase awareness on nature conservation and ecosystem services, viewing ecological restoration as a key component in achieving sustainable development goals and combating climate change. By offering specialized courses that combine theory and practice, TEAM#UP aims to equip participants with the necessary tools and skills to take responsible and effective actions in their local environments.
For exact start dates and detailed content of the courses, it is recommended to keep an eye on Vea's course calendar and social media. Updated information regarding course schedules, including start dates, registration, and detailed descriptions of each course, will be posted there. This allows you to stay informed and plan your participation well in advance.
VEA website: Kurskalender for Norges grønne fagskole – Vea
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