St Nicholas’ Primary School In Ardglass Gets Digging On Biodiversity Day

Pupils from St Nicholas’ Primary School in Ardglass enjoying a biodiversity session in the school garden.[/caption] Mark Bryson, Senior Consultant at Ecoseeds, gave a talk to the pupils on native wildflowers and why they are important. The children were then given the opportunity to plant a selection of native bulbs, including bluebells, wild garlic and wood anemone in their school grounds, as well as individual pots to take home. Mark explained: “Our native wildflowers need all the help they can get. By planting bulbs here today, the children are providing future food and homes for wildlife, and increasing biodiversity in the area.” Paul Gilchrist, teacher at St Nicholas’ PS, added: “We were more than happy to take part in the wildflower workshop organised by Down District Council. School grounds provide an ideal opportunity to introduce children to the natural environment and to biodiversity in a practical way.” [caption id="attachment_44698" align="alignright" width="300"] Mark Bryson of Ecoseeds with teacher Paul Gilchrist and Cllr Dermot Curran, and school pupils at the biodiversity day in the school garden.[/caption] Speaking about the Council’s commitment to local biodiversity, Down District Council Chairman, Cllr Maria McCarthy said: “Down District Council is committed to protecting the natural environment of the District and promoting it among its residents. A Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP), which celebrates the wealth of biodiversity present within the district and recommends actions required to conserve it, was launched in April 2012.” Cllr McCarthy added: “Raising awareness of biodiversity in schools is an essential part of the Local Biodiversity Action Plan process. Educating our youth on the importance of our environment should ensure they protect it into the future.” Speaking at the event, local Councillor Dermot Curran also said:  “I’m delighted to be here today to see the children learning about wildflowers and I hope that the Council can lead more workshops like this in the future.” To find out more about the Down Local Biodiversity Action Plan, and how you can get involved, or to obtain a copy of the Plan, contact Danielle Begley, Down Biodiversity Officer on 028 4461 0800 or email: danielle.begley@downdc.gov.uk]]>