Inclusive Biodiversity Day Celebrated Blue Flag Coastline at East Strand, Portrush
The Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust (CCGHT), in partnership with the Mae Murray Foundation, was delighted to host an Inclusive Biodiversity Day at East Strand, Portrush, on Friday 28 August. The event was held in support of East Strand’s Blue Flag Award, recognising Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s ongoing commitment to maintaining the high environmental, educational, safety and accessibility standards required to achieve this internationally recognised accolade, while celebrating the unique landscapes and wildlife of the Causeway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
The free community event brought together people of all ages and abilities to celebrate the rich biodiversity of the Causeway Coast through a wide range of engaging and accessible activities. Participants enjoyed the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of East Strand, within the Causeway Coast AONB, while learning about the habitats and wildlife that make this internationally recognised coastline so special.
With accessibility and inclusion at its heart, the event ensured that everyone could take part in hands-on activities and connect with nature. Throughout the day, visitors discovered more about local coastal biodiversity and gained a greater appreciation of the habitats and species that contribute to the special character of the Causeway Coast.
Activities included Beach Drums, beachcombing sessions, a guided bird walk and talk, an interactive dune erosion activity, displays showcasing the area’s fascinating marine wildlife, and nature journalling, alongside many other hands-on experiences. Led by expert partner organisations, these activities encouraged participants to explore the coastline from new perspectives while learning about the importance of protecting its unique habitats, species and landscapes. Families were also able to access adapted equipment, such as all-terrain wheelchairs, enabling them to enjoy the various activities on offer.
The Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust and the Mae Murray Foundation were pleased to work alongside a fantastic range of partner organisations whose support helped make the day such a success. Interactive activities were delivered by Ulster Wildlife, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, the National Trust, the Coastal Zone Centre, the RSPB, Live Here Love Here, and CEDaR (Centre for Environmental Data and Recording). Their expertise and enthusiasm gave visitors engaging opportunities to explore the coastline’s diverse habitats and wildlife while highlighting the importance of conserving and enhancing this exceptional natural environment for future generations.
The event demonstrated the shared commitment of the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust, the Mae Murray Foundation, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, and their partners to making the natural heritage of the Causeway Coast accessible to everyone. By combining inclusive access with environmental education, the event encouraged people to connect with nature, appreciate the value of biodiversity, and play an active role in caring for the landscapes and wildlife of the Causeway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Tiérna Mullan, Project Officer with the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust, said: “This event was a fantastic opportunity to bring people together to experience the incredible biodiversity of the Causeway Coast in an inclusive and accessible way. We were delighted to work in partnership with the Mae Murray Foundation and alongside so many organisations that generously shared their expertise and enthusiasm throughout the day. Supporting East Strand’s Blue Flag Award while encouraging people to connect with and care for the Causeway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty perfectly reflects what this event was all about. We hope everyone who attended left with a greater appreciation of our unique coastal environment and the role we all play in protecting it.”
Kyleigh Lough, Chief Executive Officer of the Mae Murray Foundation, said: “Our partnership with the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust demonstrated that nature is for everyone. By removing barriers and creating accessible opportunities to explore the coastline, we welcomed people of all ages and abilities to enjoy, learn about and connect with this remarkable environment. It was wonderful to see so many people taking part, discovering new experiences and showing that our natural spaces can be enjoyed by everyone when accessibility and inclusion are at the heart of event planning.”
The organisers would like to thank everyone who attended, together with all the partner organisations, volunteers and staff whose enthusiasm and support contributed to a successful and enjoyable day celebrating one of Northern Ireland’s award-winning beaches and the exceptional landscapes, habitats and wildlife that make the Causeway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty such a special place.
