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August 2018
EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FORUM E-BULLETIN In This Issue
News from the ESD Forum
1. ESD Forum Update
Environmental Education News
1. Signing Up For A Bright Future In The Belfast Hills 2. Get Involved in EHOD 2018 3. It’s A Family Affair At Downpatrick Nursery School In Another Record Breaking Year For Green Flag Eco-Schools 4. Record Number of Parks Achieve the Green Flag Award (Via Keep Northern
Ireland Beautiful) 5. A Warning for Wildlife? 6. Bumper Brood of Barn Owls Celebrated in Crumlin 7. Stunning County Down Garden to Open Its Gates for Charity 8. Conservation Education & Activities Officer Position 9. Environment Week – Save the Date
Resources 1. Outdoor Classroom at FSC 2. RSPB Resources
Training & Events
1. Various Events
Funding
1. Big Lottery Awards for All Northern Ireland 2. Ernest Cook Trust
August 2018
INTRODUCTION Welcome to the latest E-Bulletin from the Education for Sustainable Development Forum which provides information on activities in the environmental education and education for sustainable development sectors in Northern Ireland. Below you will find a variety of useful information, including ESD Forum and member’s news, resources, training events and seminars, publications, funding opportunities, and any job vacancies in the sector. The Forum is the networking body for the Environmental Education and Education for Sustainable Development sector that promotes a coordinated approach to the delivery of environmental education and education for sustainable development in Northern Ireland. Forum Membership consists of organisations from the public, private and voluntary sectors. The Forum attempts to raise awareness of environmental education and education for sustainable development issues in the formal and non-formal education sectors through the provision of services such as the production of resources, initial and in service teacher training, member meetings and training and organising member and public conferences. Iona Meyer ESD Forum Administrator
NEWS FROM THE ESD FORUM
1. ESD FORUM UPDATE I hope you have all enjoyed your summer break and ready for the new term staring in a few weeks. Our conference on the 6th September has to be cancelled but will be re-scheduled later in the Autumn, I will keep you informed once the new date is firmed up. See information below on the DIPPY exhibition in the Ulster Museum from September to January. You will have received your invoices for membership renewal from our Finance Officer, thanks to those of you who have already paid. If you have not already done so could you please organize payments as soon as possible as there are quite a few outstanding? Don’t forget to check out the events section of our website to get an update of various events taking place, there are a number of events happening in the lead up to the summer holidays. http://eefni.org.uk/events/ If you have any information you would like promoted through the E-bulletin please send it to me by the end of the month, and if you want anything (news, upcoming events, etc.) promoted on the website do feel free to contact me. It’s a good opportunity to get your information out to a wide audience at no charge to you or your organisation.
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Dippy on Tour: A Natural History Adventure
For the first time Dippy, the Natural History Museum’s iconic Diplodocus skeleton cast, will be on display outside of the capital – touring the length and breadth of the UK from early 2018 to late 2020. Dippy will be on display in Dorset, Birmingham, Belfast, Glasgow, Newcastle, Cardiff, Rochdale and Norwich. Ulster Museum, September 2018 - January 2019 Dippy's visit will highlight each regions natural history collections and draw attention to the rich array of local biodiversity, encouraging families to explore nature on their doorstep. Dippy on Tour aims to help young people to connect with the natural world and gain a deeper understanding of it through science. As Dippy journeys across the UK he will inspire Natural History Adventures within the regions that he visits. These adventures will not only take place at host venues, but across a wide range of institutions within the area, from museums and galleries to universities and outdoor spaces. Natural History Adventures will engage audiences with their local biodiversity, past and present. Natural History Adventures are a unique opportunity to promote activities, with 10,000 leaflets being distributed in each region, and extend reach. Natural History Adventures can be produced and run by anyone. Taking a variety of forms, including workshops, displays, trails and digital resources, Natural History Adventures will encompass a range of themes and questions facing the scientific community today including sustainability, biodiversity and food-security. Practicalities The timings of Natural History Adventures will need to line up with Dippy’s visit to the region.
Adventures may be previously run activities, or entirely new!
For inclusion in promotional brochures event details must be confirmed ahead of the regional deadline. Events can be added online at any time.
Participating venues / organisations must count, and report, numbers for each event.
If you don’t have an adventure in mind but would like to take part Natural History Museum produced resources can be used (see ‘Additional assets’). Contact To register interest or discuss Natural History Adventures please contact: Gracie Divall National Partnerships Manager Natural History Museum Cromwell Road London SW7 5BD email: [email protected] t: 020 7942 6037 / 5217
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Additional assets The Natural History Museum is producing a number of assets that will be made available online. These include schools resource for ages 4 – 7, schools resources for ages 7 – 11, video content, recommended reading, and themed content that will be added to throughout the duration of the tour. These materials will be made available online at www.nhm.ac.uk/dippyontour on Friday 1 December 2017. Evaluation materials will be made available for anyone wishing to use them. Next steps If you are intending to run a Natural History Adventure please get in touch with the event details (as above) and an estimation of the numbers that you would expect. If you have run a similar event previously we would be interested in knowing the numbers previously in attendance. We will then share with you the logos and evaluation materials, and add your events into the promotional Natural History Adventure brochure. The brochure will be distributed via Dippy on Tour partners and local visitor centres. We look forward to hearing from you!
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION NEWS
1. SIGNING UP FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE IN THE BELFAST HILLS
The Belfast Hills Partnership are launching a brand new environmental sector-training programme for young people aged 18 – 24. This free traineeship requires no previous experience or qualifications, it only takes one day a week for 15 weeks to complete and will enable the participants to take part in a range of practical conservation tasks such as tree planting, wildflower meadow management, and wildlife surveys.
Patricia Deeney, the Youth Development Officer at the Belfast Hills Partnership, said:
“With the job market the way it is, increasingly employers are expecting applicants to have a certain amount of work experience under their belt before they are even considered for a job. But how do young people get that work experience in the first place? It is our hope that the Trainee Ranger scheme will fill this void.
“By completing the programme of one day a week for 15 weeks, the young people will not only increase their practical experience in the workplace, but they will also receive nationally recognised awards and gain a lantra accreditation in the use of strimmers and brushcutters, something that will look great on their CV’s!”
This programme is part of the Our Bright Future project, which Big Lottery Funds, a forward-thinking social movement that’s about supporting young people to lead progressive change in their communities and local environment. They’re tackling environmental issues and the lack of opportunities for young people by using
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one problem to help another. It’s about unleashing the potential of young people, so they can make a big, positive impact and become an unstoppable force for good. Julie Harrison, Big Lottery Fund Northern Ireland Chair, said:
“It’s wonderful to see the difference our investment is making to the young people involved in this project, and I want to say thanks to National Lottery players for making this possible. We hope this initiative will help improve their skills, confidence, self-esteem and wellbeing as they get out and about in the Belfast Hills.”
A report published by The Prince’s Trust in April this year, found that almost half of young people in Northern Ireland say they have experienced a mental health problem; with two-thirds of young people regularly feeling stressed and a third going as far to say that they often feel hopeless. The study also reported that
half of young people here (51%) agree that having a job gives - or would give - them a sense of purpose. Yet figures from the Office of National Statistics also show that 11% of young people in Northern Ireland are not in employment, education or training. This is something that needs to be addressed, and it is the hope of the Belfast Hills Partnership that the Trainee Ranger scheme will fulfil a desperate need. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Monday 17th September, with the first day of the scheme starting on Friday 5th October 2018 for 15 weeks. To find out more, or to apply, contact [email protected] or phone the Belfast Hills Partnership office on 028 9060 3466.
2. GET INVOLVED IN EHOD 2018!
Get involved as Northern Ireland celebrates European Heritage Open Days (via Department for Communities)
With over 300 venues taking part, this is one of Northern Ireland’s largest free events open to the public. It will take place on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 September.
It is a celebration and appreciation of our rich and diverse culture and heritage where the ‘doors will open’ to historic buildings and monuments, some of which open to the public for the first time.
Adults and children will be entertained with living history, performances, arts and crafts and much more. The theme this year is ‘The Art of Sharing,’ meaning that venues will have the opportunity to share heritage stories of their buildings and their connections to locations and people through talks, tours, exhibitions, craft, art and performance or screen.
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European Heritage Open Days, now in their 21st year, are the most widely celebrated participatory cultural events shared throughout Europe, and in Northern Ireland their popularity has continued to increase over the last few years. .
3. IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR AT DOWNPATRICK NURSERY SCHOOL IN ANOTHER RECORD BREAKING YEAR FOR GREEN FLAG ECO-SCHOOLS
It has been a record-breaking year for Eco-Schools in Northern Ireland, with 295 now flying the prestigious Green Flag representing over 25% of all schools. Eco-Schools is an international programme with 67 countries around the world involving over 18,000,000 pupils. This year marked a landmark moment when Downpatrick Nursery School, the first school in the world to be awarded an Eco-Schools Green Flag in 1994, became the first school in NI to be awarded its 10th Green Flag, making it a world leader in sustainable education. Three generations of the Rutledge family, who have been involved in the Eco work at the school from the start, celebrated the moment. Catherine Rutledge parent to Alan, pupil at the time of the first flag, has worked at the school for a further 8 flags and Eboni, Alan’s daughter, is a current pupil. Former Principal of Downpatrick Nursery School, Kelsie Erskine commented at the 10th Green Flag celebrations: “I was excited when the information about the first ever Eco-Schools Award Scheme arrived in the Nursery School in 1994. I was always very interested in environmental issues and encouraged the children to take an interest in wildlife and nature. I had no idea all those years ago that we were the first school in the world to achieve this award! I am so delighted that the Nursery School has not only maintained this eco-friendly ethos but strengthened and developed it to win their 10th Eco-School Award after 24 years”
Lorna Burns, current Principal at the school commented: “I have felt honoured to take up the mantle of the Eco-Schools programme at Downpatrick Nursery School. It has been very important to keep up the high standards of my predecessors. The "Green" theme has become an integral part of our school life and the children are actively encouraged to promote environmental ideas and action plans to benefit not only the school but also the wider community. We are pleased to see that our parents and the local community all enjoy celebrating our success as an Eco-School and they actively embrace and support all the topics and
initiatives that we promote. We aim to continue to find new ways of collaborating with other local schools of all ages in combined Eco-Schools projects". The Green Flag is the respected eco-label for environmental education and performance, recognising Eco-Schools successful in protecting the environment and creating a sustainable future. Eco-Schools is pupil led with young people involved in the Eco-Committee and its decision making, as well as the practical action that follows. Such amazing success is made possible with the support of teachers and the
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wider school community who share the ambition of parents and grand-parents in wanting every child to reach their full potential. Ian Humphreys, Chief Executive of Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, which runs Eco-Schools in Northern Ireland, added “By capturing the hearts and minds of pupils and teachers, Eco-Schools is making a real, tangible and positive impact on our environment. The programme is engaging our young people, who will be the next generation of business and political leaders, in developing eco-friendly behaviours that also help our economy.”
4. RECORD NUMBER OF PARKS ACHIEVE THE GREEN FLAG AWARD (via Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful)
Environmental charity Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful revealed an ever growing number of parks and green spaces that have been awarded a prestigious Green Flag Award.
The Hill of the O’Neill in Dungannon provided the perfect backdrop as a record 70 parks and green spaces in Northern Ireland received their Green Flag Award for exceeding tough environmental standards for green space management and visitor facilities. The Green Flag Award is an internationally recognised certification for environmental quality management for parks and open, green spaces and is growing from strength to strength.
For the 2018/19 season, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful saw a continued increase in public parks, gardens, country parks, cemeteries and green spaces meeting the demanding standards.
There were 9 first–time winners this year across all participating council areas, including: Belmont Cemetery in Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council; Loughgall Country Park and Portadown
People’s Park in Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council; Connswater Community Greenway and Half Moon
Lake in Belfast City Council; Broadmeadow in Fermanagh and Omagh District Council; Moat Park in Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council; Hill of The O’Neill in Mid Ulster District Council and Kilbroney Park in Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
Read the full press release here…
August 2018
5. A WARNING FOR WILDLIFE?
The Woodland Trust’s Nature’s Calendar project is already receiving records of ripe berries, hastened by the recent heatwave. But the dry weather could spell danger for this year’s wild fruit crops, and the animals that feed on them (via Woodland Trust)
So far the Trust has received 59 records of blackberries ripening, and six records of rowan berries ripening. The baseline average for these events is 27 August and 1 September respectively, meaning the earliest sightings this year have come in around two months earlier than usual.
While the official berry records added to Nature’s Calendar are mainly from England and Wales, a glance would suggest that the Northern Ireland countryside isn’t far behind. The charity, however, needs local people to add their observations to this online project, in order to get a clearer picture of seasonal changes right across the UK.
These early changes in summer scenery could have consequences. If the dry, warm weather continues, the lack of water could mean that berries may be smaller or drop from trees and shrubs. Migratory birds like fieldfare and
redwing (arriving around October) could be left with less food if the resident wildlife has taken their share first. Furthermore, trees may tint earlier as they try to preserve water and can also be more susceptible to threats such as tree pests and diseases.
Dr Kate Lewthwaite, citizen science manager for the Woodland Trust, said: “It may be the height of summer, but because of the recent weather, we’re already anticipating signs of autumn. Although we’ve only had a small number of berry records so far, the heat will only encourage more fruit to ripen, and leaves on trees may also start to change colour.
“Given the implications this may have for the berry crop and other species in general, we would urge the public to report the first seasonal events they see to Nature’s Calendar.
“Citizen science is vital in informing our view of changing seasons. This year spring suddenly burst forth in April after being subdued by snow in March. Now, it will be interesting to see how other seasonal timings and species are affected for the rest of 2018.
Read the full press release here…
6. BUMPER BROOD OF BARN OWLS CELEBRATED IN CRUMLIN
Barn owls nesting on privately-owned farmland, near Crumlin, have given birth to five chicks this year, the largest brood recorded here according to conservationists.
Photo by Ben Lee
August 2018
The nest site located in an abandoned outbuilding, near Lough Neagh, normally produces one to two chicks per year, which is average for these endangered birds, but according to Ulster Wildlife, the brood was the biggest it had ever recorded, despite the unfavourable weather conditions.
Conor McKinney, Living Landscapes Manager, at the local wildlife charity, said: “Barn owls were badly hit this year with the harsh winter and wet spring, which could have spelt disaster for breeding as it prevents them hunting. So, these record-breaking numbers are amazing and are largely thanks to the efforts of their dedicated volunteer nest minder, Ciarán Walsh, who stepped in and supplementary fed the birds to give the adults and their young the best chance of survival.”
Conor added: “With breeding pairs estimated to be around 30 to 50 in Northern Ireland and with only three known active nest sites, this bumper brood will provide a welcome boost to the local barn owl population and hopefully help these iconic birds make a welcome comeback.”
Ciarán Walsh, the passionate volunteer from Crumlin behind the barn owls’ breeding success, has been monitoring the nest site for the last two years, to help the charity with its efforts to protect the species.
He said: “When I saw the male return from hunting for three consecutive days without food and soaking wet in one of the worst weeks in December, I knew the pair was in serious trouble. After doing some research, I made the decision to feed them in severe weather and from the reaction of the starving male that night, it could have saved him.
“So, you can imagine how I felt two weeks ago when I saw five owlets poke their heads out of the nest for the first time on the nest camera; what a moment - I jumped for joy around my living room and knew it had all been worth it. I am now hoping the birds will go on to have a second brood as they bred early, and that the fledgelings will take up the nest boxes I erected in the surrounding area, so I can continue to watch over them.”
The five owlets were ringed last week under licence from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency to help monitor their progress and provide further information about these elusive birds.
Throughout July and August, Ulster Wildlife’ team of volunteer field workers will be scouring the countryside, following up on barn owl sightings and checking nest boxes for signs of activity to help target conservation efforts. To report a sighting visit www.ulsterwildlife.org/barnowl or email [email protected]
7. STUNNING COUNTY DOWN GARDEN TO OPEN ITS GATES FOR CHARITY Grey Abbey House to open gardens, Saturday 8 September
Here’s an opportunity to explore the private and magnificent gardens of Grey Abbey House, set against the backdrop of Strangford Lough on the Ards Peninsula. Saturday 8 September – from 2 to 5pm – is the date for the garden lover’s diary, and the invitation comes from owners William and Daphne Montgomery.
August 2018
Visitors, for one day only, can enjoy the grounds of this 17th century demesne, with every penny of the entrance fee supporting the work of conservation charity the Woodland Trust. The formal gardens are breath-taking – while the mature parkland, lake, and remains of a Cistercian abbey add to an unmissable afternoon. Glorious flowers and trees from around the world are waiting to impress. A ‘Southern Hemisphere garden’ contains a collection of plants from New Zealand, Tasmania, Australia, Argentina, Chile and South Africa. Other attractions are the walled garden, vegetable garden, late summer border, and shrub rose border. Two orchards boast an enviable collection of Victorian fruit trees and recently planted Irish apple trees. Patrick Cregg is the director of the Woodland Trust and says: “The extensive grounds of Grey Abbey House are truly out of this world. They provided the venue for the recent drama series Woman in White, so those who have already had a glimpse will definitely want to join us. “Usually only open to organised groups, this is a refreshing opportunity for members of the public to feast their eyes upon acres of stunning gardens. We’re very grateful to Mr and Mrs Montgomery for supporting our work in this way.” Afternoon tea will be available in the Granary. Admission is £5 per adult. Booking is recommended, though not essential. Find out more and book a place at www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/events or telephone 0330 333 5302 (lines open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm). Grey Abbey House sits in the village of Greyabbey, County Down, BT22 2QA. 8. CONSERVATION EDUCATION & ACTIVITIES OFFICER POSITION Conservation Education & Activities Officer based at the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre. Closing date is 28/08/18 all the necessary information is found using the link below. https://armaghbanbridgecraigavon.erecruit.co.uk/erecruit/job/details.do;jsessionid=6D5446E5EB4C8588A1626C8CD6CAF022?jobId=1212
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9. ENVIRONMENT WEEK – SAVE THE DATE 2018 marks the 4th year of NI Environment Week! The purpose of Environment Week is to celebrate our built and natural environment and encourage discussion on a wide–range of environmental issues. This year, Environment Week will run from 24th – 28th September. If you would like to feature an event in the 2018 programme, please complete and return the attached form to [email protected]. More information to follow soon.
RESOURCES 1. OUTDOOR CLASSROOM FSC Derrygonnelly offers courses for groups of all ages from primary to University. Please follow the link below to browse the courses available across FSC Northern Ireland: http://www.field-studies-council.org/centres/northern-ireland/derrygonnelly/learn/schools/course-information.aspx FSC has also developed a set of Get Inspired Outdoors resources with NIEA, to support teachers in delivering outdoor learning in a range of subjects: http://www.field-studies-council.org/centres/northern-ireland/derrygonnelly/learn/schools/info-for-teachers/resources/get-inspired-outdoors.aspx
2. RSPB RESOURCES
RSPB have an excellent range of resources for teachers and students available on their website, to check these out go to the following link. https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/fun-and-learning/for-teachers/lesson-plans-and-supporting-resources/spot-it/
TRAINING & EVENTS
1. VARIOUS EVENTS
Don’t forget to check the forum website for various events coming up over the next few months, this time of year there are plenty. If you have, any events coming up in your own groups let me know and I can publicise them on the website. www.eefni.org.uk/events/index
August 2018
FUNDING
1. BIG LOTTERY AWARDS FOR ALL NORTHERN IRELAND Awards for All is a quick and easy way to get small Lottery grants of between £500 and £10,000 for projects that last for a year at most (they can be shorter). You can apply at any time and you will normally get a decision around 3 or 4 months after applications are received.
https://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/global-content/programmes/northern-ireland/awards-for-all-northern-ireland
2. ERNEST COOK TRUST The Ernest Cook Trust is one of the UK’s leading educational charities. Rooted in the conservation and management of the countryside, the Trust actively encourages children and young people to learn from the land through hands-on educational opportunities on its estates and by offering grants.
Scheme details The Ernest Cook Trust gives grants to registered charities, schools and not-for-profit organisations wishing to encourage young people’s interest either in the countryside and the environment or the arts (in the broadest sense) or aiming to raise levels of literacy and numeracy. Since the ECT is a land-based Trust, work, which encourages or ensures the continuation of rural skills and crafts, is of particular interest to the Trustees. All applications are expected to link either in with the National Curriculum or with recognised qualifications. Each year the ECT Trustees give around £1.8 million to support hundreds of educational projects throughout the UK.
A large grants programme for awards of over £4,000 and a small grants programme for awards of under £4,000 operate throughout the year.
For small grants, most awarded are in the range £1000 - £1500
For large grants, apart from a few larger awards to projects especially close to the interests of the Trustees, most awards are in the range of £4,000 – £12,000 Find out more on GrantTracker or on the website
August 2018
MEMBERSHIP OF ESD FORUM
JOIN US
The Education for Sustainable Development Forum is the networking body for the sector that promotes a coordinated approach to the delivery of environmental education in Northern Ireland. Forum Membership consists of organisations from the public, private and voluntary sectors. Most members are actively involved in environmental education and bring a wide range of expertise and enthusiasm to the forum. Membership to the ESD Forum is open to all individuals and organisations from the public, private and voluntary sectors.
Benefits of membership include:
Access to an established networking and information organization One conference per year organised on a range of related environmental education topics ESD Days run at all of Northern Ireland's University establishments E-mail updates on the Forums activities plus information, publications and events via the E-Bulletin Access to ESD Forum website Support and publicity for your work Sharing of ideas, expertise and experience
Voluntary Organisation Statutory Body
Organisation, one person £35 £50
Organisation, up to 3 people receiving membership benefits at one site
£50 £100
Organisation, more than 3 people receiving membership benefits at one site at one site
£75 £150
Organisation, additional sites receiving membership benefits
£35 per site £35 per site
As part of your subscription, you will have free place at an ESD Forum conference each year. The E-Bulletin goes into many of the schools and is a good way to promote your work. If you would like to promote your events, publications and training through this E-Bulletin please contact. Iona Meyer Education for Sustainable Development Forum 89 Loopland Drive Belfast BT6 9DW Tel: 028 9045 5770 [email protected] www.esdforum.org.uk
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