Schools and teachers have been reminded that a local resource, designed to pack years of biodiversity expertise into ‘classroom ready’ activities, is available to claim at no cost.
The Biodiversity Educational Resource was prepared for the Causeway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) schools by the Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust but can be used in other areas. It uses a digital format but an optional Biodiversity Loan Case is also offered where possible.
The design of the resource 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 through classroom and outdoor exercises.
Aiming to enhance local knowledge, enrich learning experiences through practical activities and foster a deep understanding of biodiversity, the 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: “The resource has potential to not only educate but to also connect children with their environment, strengthen community relationships, and inspire projects that contribute to local biodiversity.”
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 see here (https://ccght.org/biodiversity-education-pack/).
Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust, which has operated throughout the Causeway Coast and Glens and Mid and East Antrim Council areas since 2002, also oversees the Antrim Coast & Glens, Binevenagh and Causeway Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty as well as the Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast World Heritage Site, the Rathlin Island Marine Special Area of Conservation and Dark Hedges Management Forum. Its focus includes support for sustainable tourism and work to promote the special characteristic of local areas including projects to boost biodiversity in important natural heritage areas.
Spanning 30km, the Causeway Coast AONB coast is home to a diverse array of landscapes, including the iconic Giant’s Causeway and the Causeway Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site. Renowned for its stunning coastal scenery, the area boasts a unique blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and a rich tapestry of wildlife, making it an ideal educational resource.