T3.3 EDUCATION & UPSKILLING PROGRAMMES Walking and working TROLLTUNGA PATH SELJESTAD RECREATIONAL AREA together AND BUERDALEN VALLEY ODDA NORWAY ASCENT teams from Trolltunga and Mournes and their guests A working partnership across borders – the value of practical study visits In September 2018, the team from ASCENT Mournes visited Odda and the ASCENT Trolltunga team for a 5 day study visit with the purpose of seeing for themselves the impact of the 90 000 visitors on the site, the work that has been carried out there and to suggest and demonstrate techniques drawing on their own experience. The Trolltunga team put together a be a real benefit to the Trolltunga the immediate local area in Odda. varied programme for the week which path, one of the key benefits of such Valuable connections were made included hiking the length of the a visit is the forming of a network and this interaction sparked plans Trolltunga trail, discussing solutions between the skilled organisations on for future cooperation that would for various pressure points along both sides. Having spent several days not have been obvious from the the route, working side by side and together, the two teams and visiting original application and project plan. completing two trials in two different parties have established a base of The study visit, with an emphasis of sites. A thematic seminar was also mutual trust and understanding practical work side by side as well as the arranged, with attendees from the local which forms a good starting point for theoretical approach, demonstrated community in Odda and including future cooperation. During one of the the importance of establishing a solid interested parties from Bergen and trials and for the thematic seminar and trusting relationship between the northern Hordaland. In addition to there was the opportunity to bring in practitioners in order to fully benefit carrying out physical work which will relevant organisations from outside from the shared expertise. Outcome From the ASCENT Trolltunga Seljestad recreational area allowed the perspective, the study trip delivered Mournes team to see the Norwegian several valuable results. The connection approach to building simple two-plank established by the two teams will plank bridges across long stretches of lead to a reciprocal study trip to the marshy area. Two trials were carried out. Mournes by the Trolltunga team in The first trial showcased two different order to learn more about the Mourne styles of drain built on a section of the way of managing paths. As a direct Trolltunga path badly eroded by water. result of the discussions in the thematic The second trial was a day dedicated seminar, plans are also being made for to trialling the use of sheep’s wool a study trip specifically to learn about as a building material trialled in the the volunteer network and we are also Buerdalen Valley. The thematic seminar considering whether an exchange work was attended by approx. 20 people and experience/volunteer network might be included presentations on Nepalese possible as part of the ASCENT legacy, Sherpa building technique, DNT’s involving DNT the Norwegian Trekking network of cabins and trails in Norway, Association. Connections were made the economic effect on the Trolltunga with the Norwegian Heathland Centre, visitors to the Odda community and the with plans for the Mournes team to visit organisation and management of the to learn more about their heathland Mourne Heritage Trust’s activities. management practise. The visit to Key Findings & Learning Points While building techniques can be learnt though short courses, webinars and literature, the key to a successful learning/teaching relationship is to establish an environment of mutual trust and understanding between the participants. By forming a trusting relationship, all parties involved have an open mind and feel confident that the practises demonstrated are Mucking in together relevant and comes from a place of goodwill. trialling sheep’s wool Spending several days together and allowing for some space in FURTHER INFORMATION the itinerary for social interaction allows for discussions to flow, which Contact details: Marta Rongved Dixon in turn reveals new opportunities Senior Adviser Tourism for partnerships and cooperation. Hordaland County Council Comparing techniques, tools and demonstrating skills and willingness e-mail: [email protected] to work hard provided a unique mobile +47 91 143 674 environment for mutual learning and new ideas. www.ascent-project.eu Date of Publication: April 2019.