Local School Children are working to build a greener future - Press Releases - Translink
Local school children are working to build a greener future
3rd December 2007:
Pictured (L-R) Top: Joe Dowdall, Education Guide with Ulster Wildlife Trust; Alderman May Beattie, Chairperson for the Brighter Borough; Translink District Manager, Frank Moore. Bottom: David Reid and Olivia Read, Lourdes Primary School; Michael Crawford; Whitehead Primary School and Melissa Nagar, Lourdes Primary School
Today saw local school children from Lourdes Primary School and Whitehead Primary School getting back to nature by building bird boxes thanks to an ongoing joint biodiversity project currently being undertaken by Translink and the Ulster Wildlife Trust.
Building on the success of the 2001 bird box project, Translink and the Ulster Wildlife Trust believe it is important that children are taught in a fun way about green issues. This current project aims to encourage children to think about biodiversity and to view the railway as a wildlife and train corridor - not as a place of play.
Pupils from both Lourdes Primary School and Whitehead Primary School are participating in the project and will be constructing several bird boxes. They will also learn about the ecology and behaviour of the birds that inhabit the Larne railway line and the importance of safe guarding their existence. Translink staff will erect these boxes along the railway line from Larne to Yorkgate where passengers and staff can look out for the first signs of occupancy and spring.
Frank Moore, District Manager of the Larne Railway line comments, “We all want to see a cleaner, safer and more wildlife friendly environment in order for us all to enjoy our towns and countryside. Translink and the Ulster Wildlife Trust are committed to bringing the key environmental issues that affect us all to the forefront and highlight the benefits that can be achieved through thinking green. Children are the future and this project provides an ideal opportunity to introduce children to the natural environment and to biodiversity in a practical way while also communicating the importance safety messages regarding the railway line. We are very grateful to Carrick Borough Council who have helped fund this project which will offer a safe and potentially exciting facility for outdoor education that can complement classroom-based activities.”
“Bird boxes currently established were checked in November for occupancy and are to be cleaned out for spring 2008. We are happy to report that all the boxes are currently being occupied by a variety of bird species!”
Alderman David Hilditch, Mayor of Carrickfergus Borough Council also welcomed the project adding “We in Carrickfergus Borough are lucky to enjoy a mix of rural, urban and waterfront settings. We are very aware of the importance of sustainability and involving the youth in the Borough is a key dimension in creating a healthy future. Initiatives such as this bird box scheme both educate the children and provide a sense of ownership and pride in their environment and its wildlife.”
This project will contribute to Translink’s overall biodiversity project being undertaken over the next 3 years in partnership with the Ulster Wildlife Trust.
-Ends-
Editors Notes
- The Translink Biodiversity Project is a 3-year-funded partnership between the Ulster Wildlife Trust and Translink, Northern Ireland’s integrated public transport company.
- The Ulster Wildlife Trust is a locally driven nature conservation charity committed to a better future for wildlife and habitats across the country and in our seas. We do this through practical conservation; inspiring people of all ages to take action for the local environment; and campaigning on behalf of wildlife.
- UWT has approaching 6,500 members in Northern Ireland who provide vital support for its work. UWT is part of The Wildlife Trusts – a partnership of 47 covering the whole of the UK.
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