The shores of Lough Neagh have proven to be the perfect location for local school pupils determined to make a positive impact on their environment and wildlife, with the help of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council.
Butterflies, wildflowers and a Great Crested Grebe were just some of the wonderful flora and fauna spotted and recorded by the pupils of St Mary’s Primary School in Maghery.
As part of their project to promote and protect biodiversity, the children have been helping to manage a wild meadow at Maghery Country Park.
The school adopted an area of wet grassland in Maghery Country Park which frequently flooded and was difficult for the Council’s Ground Maintenance team to manage. Under the supervision of the Biodiversity Team at Oxford Island the project was agreed.
The council agreed not to cut the grass area until the end of September allowing native wildflowers to grow and set seed. To assess the impact of their project, the school joined council officers last week, to carry out a survey of the range of native wildflowers growing in the uncut wet grassland, and a butterfly walk to count and identify species.
The pupils who enjoyed a boat trip, also carried out a successful bird survey, when they spotted a range of species including Grey Heron, Coot, Great Crested Grebe, Mute Swan, Swallow, Mallard and Tufted duck.
Council officers have praised the work of the pupils who had also participated in a Himalayan Balsam Bash to remove the non-native Himalayan Balsam invasive species which competes with the local wildflowers vital for pollinators.
To find out more about environmental education programmes at Oxford Island, including an exciting summer programme of environmental activities for children, please visit – www.getactiveabc.com/facility/oxfordisland/
