Springing into action!
28 June 2007
Local volunteers in West Belfast joined Conservation Volunteers in taking practical action, creating improvements to a council site on the Glen Road. Pupils from St. Teresa’s and St. Oliver Plunkett’s Primary Schools helped plant shrubs on the site and took part in a range of environmental education activities, aimed at improving their understanding of local biodiversity issues.
The young helpers were joined by Conservation Volunteers’ education resource the “Green Machine”! The Green Machine rolled up to deliver a range of environmental education activities, designed to explore different aspects of Northern Ireland’s rich biodiversity.
As well as planting shrubs, the pupils got their hands dirty being creative with recycled materials. Among the activities, the children enjoyed exploring for mini beasts and planting native wildflowers which they were encouraged to take home and plant in an appropriate area.
Helen Tomb, Project Manager with Conservation Volunteers said ‘This was a fantastic event, aimed at highlighting the benefits of volunteering in the local community. The transformation of the site reflects a positive feeling in the Glen Road area where the local community have shown their support for this project.’
The event was held to celebrate BTCV’s Spring into Action campaign and is part of the ‘Green the Glen Road’ project, supported by the Big Lottery’s People’s Millions fund. The ‘Green the Glen Road’ project is a community led initiative aimed at involving local schools, businesses and residents in making environmental improvements to the Glen Road.
The event was attended by Sinn Fein’s Environmental spokesperson Daithi McKay and staff and volunteers from Conservation Volunteers.
| Relevant links |
|---|
| The Green Machine |
| External links |
|---|
| People's Millions |