THIRTY-SEVEN pupils from three island schools took part in a Clean Coasts roadshow event on Arranmore last week.
On Friday, March 27, pupils from Scoil Náisiúnta Árainn Mhór, Scoil Athphoirt National School and Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada joined An Taisce’s Clean Coasts team for a series of coastal workshops held across two beaches on the island.
The first session saw 13 pupils from Scoil Náisiúnta Árainn Mhór gather at Leabgarrow beach, where they learned about coastal awareness, local heritage and the importance of keeping shorelines clean.
Acting as “coastal detectives”, the group split in two to survey the beach and nearby rockpools. Others carried out a clean-up, before sharing their findings.
A second workshop took place at Trá Athphort with 14 pupils from Scoil Athphoirt National School. Pupils explored the role of ‘marram grass’ in stabilising dune systems. They discussed local wildlife before collecting several bags of litter from the strand.
The final session returned to Leabgarrow beach, where 10 Transition Year pupils from Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada focused on biodiversity.
Participants examined different types of kelp and seaweed, learning about their uses and environmental value, before dividing into groups to observe wildlife and undertake a beach clean.
Auriel Robinson, Clean Coasts officer for Donegal, said the initiative had made a strong impression on those involved.
“The day was a great success and those who participated were left with a sense of pride and appreciation of their beautiful and precious island. It is so important for the younger generations to learn about their coastline and what help is needed to secure a clean ocean for the future,” she said.
The same day also saw a National Spring Clean event on the island, organised by John McCafferty of the Arranmore Development and Employment Co-Op, in partnership with the Arranmore Island Clean Coasts Group led by Peter O’Donnell.
The Clean Coasts Roadshow runs nationwide between January and May, delivering workshops and talks aimed at supporting coastal communities and marine environments.
More information available at:
Facebook: @CleanCoasts