Deputy Mayor welcomes biodiversity resource for Primary Schools
Wed, March 27, 2024
The Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has praised an initiative which encourages primary school children to understand and appreciate the environment around them.
Speaking at the launch of the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust (CCGHT) project, which teaches children about the diverse array of landscapes on their doorstep, Councillor Margaret-Anne McKillop said: “It was great to see the local children interacting with this resource, learning about biodiversity in such a hands-on way.”
The Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust (CCGHT) launched the Causeway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Key Stage 2 Biodiversity Educational Resource at an event hosted in Portballintrae Village Hall.
The Deputy Mayor was joined by children and staff from Dunseverick, Straidbilly and Bushmills primary schools.
Cllr McKillop praised the organisers, saying: “Learning in a classroom environment is so important and the children loved their desk-based activities, but nothing beats the experience of seeing, feeling and hearing nature.
“It not only creates memories, but fosters a real understanding of nature, geography and the world around us. So I want to say well done to the developers Michelle McGarvey and Jarlath McGill for creating such a significant stride towards fostering environmental education and awareness.”
Spanning 30km, the Causeway Coast AONB is renowned for its stunning coastal scenery with a unique blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and a rich tapestry of wildlife, making it an ideal educational resource.
It includes the iconic Giant’s Causeway and the Causeway Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Biodiversity Educational Resource, developed by Michelle McGarvey and Jarlath McGill, encapsulates years of expertise into a digital format tailored specifically for the Causeway Coast AONB.
Its design aligns with the Northern Ireland Curriculum, offering Key Stage 2 educators a tool to engage students with their local environment, while instilling an appreciation for its natural, built and cultural heritage.
Aiming to enhance local knowledge, enrich learning experiences through practical activities, and foster a deep understanding of biodiversity, this resource encourages students to become actively involved in their learning. With a focus on thinking skills and personal capabilities, it serves as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.
Tiérna Mullan, CCGHT Project Officer, explained that the initiative has potential not only to educate, “but to also connect children with their environment, strengthen community relationships, and inspire projects that contribute to local biodiversity”.
Welcoming the resource, Principal of Dunseverick Primary School Leanne Smyth said: “This Biodiversity Education Resource and loan case equips us with all necessary materials for both classroom and outdoor activities.
“It is a valuable resource to teachers and pupils, who will benefit from the detail and inspiration. This innovative approach can allow for an immersive learning experience, further supported by the possibility of extending activities into the broader Causeway Coast AONB during school activities and excursions.”
Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust is grateful for support from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, reflecting a shared commitment to environmental education and the preservation of Northern Ireland's unique landscapes.
The Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust invites educators, community groups and stakeholders to explore and utilise this comprehensive resource, aiming to cultivate a knowledgeable, environmentally conscious generation, poised to cherish and protect their natural, built, and cultural heritage.
For more information about the Causeway Coast AONB Key Stage 2 Biodiversity Educational Resource, please visit ccght.org
