education for sustainable development forum e -bulletin in
TRANSCRIPT
September 2015
Education for Sustainable Development Forum E-Bulletin
In This Issue News from the ESD Forum
1. ESD Forum Update
Environmental Education News 1. Autumn Rhymes at Carnmoney Hill 2. Drifting Apart 3. Courses in Environmental Conservation & Countryside Management 4. In The Shadow of Greatness 5. Translink Eco-Schools Travel Challenge 6. Win A Fabulous Sculpture With Eco-Schools And Trócaire’s ‘Go Green, Go
Global’ Poster Competition 7. Eco-Schools Wrigley’s Litter Less Campaign 8. Free Trees for Schools 9. Eco-Schools World Days Of Action, Live Here Love Here. 2-6 November 2015. 10. Eco-Schools National Operators Meeting (NOM) 11. The 2016 Eco-Unesco Young Environmentalist Awards Is Now Open
Resources
1. Operation Energy Resource 2. Field Studies Council Resources
Training & Events 1. Various Events 2. Major Outdoors Conference Coming to the Mourne Area
Funding
1. Big Lottery Funding
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
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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 by now many if not all of you have had your holidays and are back refreshed and ready for another years work. On Tuesday 8th September 2015 we held a very successful Annual Conference and AGM in RSPB’s Belfast Window on Wildlife offices. Thanks to Catherine Gleave for securing the venue for us. The conference was entitled ‘Helping Health Through Nature’ (Strategy, Funding & Practice). We had very interesting and informative talks from Seamus Mullen Head of Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement from the Public Health Agency and Neil Irwin – Fundraising NI “Funding Good health, naturally". Two of our member organisations showcased how Helping Health Through Nature works for them Christine Chambers, from Ulster Wildlife – Nature Engagement (Special Needs Perspective) gave a very interesting talk with lots of examples from local schools of the benefits of nature engagement. Dianne Keys from The Conservation Volunteers - Green Gym Project also gave brilliant examples of how to get people involved with the Green Gym and the benefits the participants received. The conference was well attended so moving to September definitely worked. 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. Last year was a difficult year for many with the severe funding cuts. I hope some of you benefited from this year’s Challenge Fund and I look forward to hearing from those of you who were successful what projects you are doing this year. Thank you to those of you who regularly send in information I do appreciate it. I can be contacted on 028 9045 5770 or [email protected] and don’t forget to check our website for regular updates, the website address is www.esdforum.org
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MEMBER OF THE MONTH – Waste Management Service, Belfast City Council
Helping all our residents Reduce, Reuse and Recycle The Education and Promotions Team within Waste Management work with groups across the city to educate the public and encourage them to use their recycling bins and boxes as well as considering ways to reduce and reuse their waste. There are huge costs associated with sending waste to landfill and the money saved through increased recycling can be reinvested in the city. It also supports many local jobs and obviously helps to protect the environment. In the last few years we have had to limit the amount of work carried out in schools, with our focus shifting to adult groups. However, we still offer a range of activities to schools and through increased support to Eco-Schools, they have been able to increase their work with Belfast schools. Recycling Day This activity involves several members of our Education Team visiting a school to deliver talks, workshops and activities for the whole school over one or two days. A typical visit consists of:
Mr Rat’s Recycling Roadshow (Nursey, year 1 and 2) A fun and engaging introduction to recycling for young children through the use of a story, puppet and sorting activity. (30 minutes)
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Paper Pathways (Year 3 and 4) This interactive talk focuses on paper. What it is made from, where it goes and why we should recycle it. Includes an activity to look at the different ‘pathways’ taken when paper is sent to landfill or recycled. (30 minutes)
Recycling Quiz (Year 5-7) This is an interactive quiz on Reduce, Reuse and Recycle using Qwizdom handsets. Pupils use them to answer multiple choice or true/false questions, with the system keeping score. This can be adapted, for example to focus on particular materials, food waste or composting Other activities such as paper making (year 5-7) and a WW2 ‘Digging for Victory’ themed activity (year 4) can delivered instead of those listed above. Composting at School We can provide schools with free home composting units for their school gardens. These allow pupils to compost some of their organic waste and in turn use the compost produced on their school garden. A member of the team can also visit to help install the compost units and provide help and advice to ensure successful results. Eco-Schools and the Wheelie Big Challenge In recent years we have increased our support to Eco-Schools, allowing them to visit more schools in Belfast and provide help on the ‘Waste’ topic. They have also organised very successful schools competitions on our behalf for the last three years. Last year, the Wheelie Big Challenge required schools to show how they were working to improve their in-school recycling. The finals were held in City Hall in June along with a celebration for all the schools who achieved Green Flag accreditation in the past year. For more information on our programmes or to make a booking: Telephone: 0800 032 8100 Email: [email protected]
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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION NEWS 1. AUTUMN RHYMES AT CARNMONEY HILL Discover a new side to Carnmoney Hill: an ancient green monument that rises from the suburbs of north Belfast. The Woodland Trust and the Belfast Hills Partnership are hosting a free woodland celebration on Saturday 26 September, from 11am to 4pm. Choose from a number of guided walks and discover the hill’s rich history; mini-creatures; or glorious fruits of autumn. And there’s an added treat: the talented Armagh Rhymers, of willow mask fame, will regale visitors with folk plays, poetry, music and song.
The autumn festival is intended to encourage local people and visitors to experience and appreciate this wonderful natural resource; now easily accessible following a recent facelift.
The Carnmoney transformation was made possible thanks to funding of almost £50,000 from the Alpha Programme, administered by Groundwork Northern Ireland, making use of Landfill Tax Credits generated from the Mullaghglass Landfill site outside Lisburn. Enhancements (to the Dunanney entrance, just off the O’Neill Road) include a small car parking area, improved pathways and strategically-placed benches; while new quaint stone walls are very much in keeping with the hill’s traditional tumbled walls.
In addition, the Belfast Hills Partnership – through its Heritage Lottery-funded Landscape Partnership scheme – has invested over £60,000 here, with works including the excavation of a Victorian farmstead and limekiln restoration.
The built features, together with the fragments of precious ancient woodland, offer an enlightening glimpse of days gone by.
Rosie Irwin, the Woodland Trust’s site manager, said: “We’re so proud of the recent improvements, which have opened up access to a wealth of natural and built heritage. And Saturday (26 September) brings an unmissable opportunity to take part in guided walks with experts in history, wildlife and foraging. Traditional family entertainment from the Armagh Rhymers will be the icing on the cake.”
Dave Scott, landscape project officer for the Belfast Hills Partnership, added: “Years ago, Carnmoney Hill was one of the less well-known of the Belfast Hills. But thanks to recent works and activities, it’s becoming an increasingly popular destination, renowned for its rich heritage, wildlife and spectacular views. This event will be a brilliant opportunity for everyone to experience all Carnmoney Hill has to offer.”
Access is via Dunanney. As parking is not permitted here on the day, a free shuttle bus will run from the Valley Leisure Centre (starting at 10.45am from the Leisure Centre, and finishing at 4.15pm from Carnmoney Hill). The hill has steep slopes and stout footwear is required. The guided walks are free of charge, but booking in advance is essential. Please contact Michelle McCaughtry at the Woodland Trust on 0343 770 5750 or [email protected]
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2. DRIFITNG APART Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust is leading a three year, Northern Peripheries and Arctic Region Project entitled “Drifting Apart”. This project explores and promotes the common geological heritage of sites in Canada, Iceland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Norway and Russia. Over the next three years partners will research and write the Drifting Apart Story line, develop educational resources for schools and local tourism businesses, enhance interpretation at key geological heritage sites and undertake 3D digital documentation of irreplaceable heritage assets. For all the latest project news and events visit www.driftingapart.eu
3. COURSES IN ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION & COUNTRYSIDE MANAGEMENT
North West Regional College are running two courses. The courses are available in Countryside Management and Environmental Conservation and these are areas which have demonstrated a need for a skilled workforce currently and in the coming years. For more information go to http://eefni.org.uk/cmsfiles/Pearson-BTEC-L4-HNC-in-Environmental-Conservation-QCF-2015.pdf and http://eefni.org.uk/cmsfiles/Pearson-BTEC-L3-in-Countryside-Management-2015.pdf.
4. ‘IN THE SHADOW OF GREATNESS’
The Interpretive team based at the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre have been working in partnership with Alliance Youth Works to establish a new ‘Tree Trail’ on-site at Oxford Island. The project involved adults with learning disabilities from the Southern Health and Social Care Trust undertaking woodland biodiversity
restoration and helping to interpret the tree trail for visitors using marker posts, trail maps, fact sheets and interpretive panels.
Through the project the group has learnt about Woodland habitats (in particular those at Oxford Island) and the life they sustain through a variety of hands-on sessions. They have learnt techniques and skills to manage the woods and understand the interconnectedness of the biodiversity. With this knowledge they have helped develop a range of educational and informational tools for the visiting public. This work has enabled those individuals to partake in meaningful conservation work in their local area and have their voice heard as they express their learning to others.
The facility will be available for visiting groups either in a self- guided capacity or with the support of the LNDC Education Team. It will also provide the public with a better awareness of the types and value of native trees and the biodiversity of the woodland area.
The Oxford Island Tree Trail was kindly funded by the NIEA Challenge Fund
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5. TRANSLINK ECO-SCHOOLS TRAVEL CHALLENGE
Translink and Eco-Schools are inviting all schools across Northern Ireland to take part in this year’s Translink Eco-Schools Travel Challenge to encourage pupils and parents to make ‘smart moves’ towards sustainable transport. The 2 week challenge can be completed at any time of the year that suits your school up to the closing date of 23rd May 2016.
A full set of project and teaching resources for KS1 - KS3 are provided. The Challenge is a great way to focus on the transport topic and work towards Eco-School awards but more than that it is fun, healthy, social and could reduce congestion around your school gates during drop-off and pick-up times.
There are great prizes to be won for the classes and pupils who make the greatest changes towards sustainable transport and the new #Smartmovers Project prize category invites your school to submit information on a clever way they have approached the transport topic. All schools who submit results or projects will be entered into a free draw to win a trip to Dublin, courtesy of Ulsterbus, and also will be invited to the final celebration event in Central Station, Belfast, in June.
For more information on the Translink Travel Challenge visit www.translink.co.uk/ecoschools Or contact [email protected] to register.
6. WIN A FABULOUS SCULPTURE WITH ECO-SCHOOLS AND TRÓCAIRE’S ‘GO GREEN, GO GLOBAL’ POSTER COMPETITION
The theme of this Eco-Schools and Trócaire poster competition is ‘Go Green, Go Global’ and it is asking primary school pupils to think about how their own daily routine could be improved to reduce their carbon footprint and lessen the impact on those countries around the world which are already feeling the harmful effects of Global Warming and Climate Change.
The competition suggests links to helpful teaching resources with which to approach the topic. It addresses the Eco-Schools Global Perspective topic which naturally links to many more Eco-Schools topics and will help you work towards Eco-Schools awards.
The winning school will be presented with the unique, bespoke sculpture, “Together We Can Build a Better World,” created by local artist Gloria Perry and pupils at the Eco-Schools 20th Anniversary Celebration Event. The competition closing date is Friday 16th October 2015.
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More information and entry forms can be found on the Eco-Schools website or contact [email protected] for more details.
7. ECO-SCHOOLS WRIGLEY’S LITTER LESS CAMPAIGN
The International Eco-Schools Litter Less Campaign is funded by the Wrigley Company Foundation. The campaign runs in 31 countries internationally and last year engaged over 450,000 young people.
This is the fifth year the campaign will be running in Northern Ireland through Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, Eco-Schools. Due to the high interest in this campaign there will be a short application process used to shortlist schools.
There are 30 places available on this year’s Litter Less Campaign with funding of £320.00 available to each school to implement a litter or waste themed campaign. The campaign will run from October to April. If you would like to take part please contact [email protected] for an application form; forms must be returned by 15th October 2015.
8. FREE TREES FOR SCHOOLS
Does your school want to plant trees linked to environmental education? To see if you can provide a good home for some trees, we need to know just a few things about your project. If you qualify then saplings can be delivered to your school free of charge, including canes and protection. Read on to find out what we need from you - then get ready to start planting!
Next we need you to describe your project for us in simple terms. It doesn't need to be an essay, just a few lines. Things we like to know are, for example:
• Where exactly is it? Do you have an OS map reference? • Why are trees being planted? • Is it accessible to the public? • Is it part of curriculum activities? • Will it help meet local biodiversity targets? • Are there any rare or special species locally? • Is it a Site of Special Scientific Interest or similar?
Finally, we need you to send us some photos of the trees being planted.
If you would like some Tree Appeal trees to plant at your school please contact [email protected] or download an application form
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9. ECO-SCHOOLS WORLD DAYS OF ACTION, LIVE HERE LOVE HERE. 2-6 NOVEMBER 2015.
World Days of Action, held annually, is an initiative of the Foundation for Environmental Education’s (FEE) International Eco-Schools programme and is designed to empower students worldwide, to be the change our sustainable world needs, by engaging them in fun, action-oriented learning.
This year Eco-Schools NI are teaming up with the Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, Live Here Love Here Campaign encouraging everyone to show some love, for this place we call home, by taking part in an environmental Day of Action.
Eco-Schools are inviting schools to register an event and do one or all of the following: · Clean-Up - tidy up your school grounds or a local grot spot by holding a litter pick event. · Green-Up - brighten up a run down plot by clearing out the weeds and doing some planting. · Spruce-Up - come together to tackle graffiti and vandalism by splashing a little paint around and revitalising a dingy corner. Contact [email protected] to register for more information and a toolkit to help with your day.
10. ECO-SCHOOLS NATIONAL OPERATORS MEETING (NOM)
Northern Ireland Has Been Selected By The Foundation For Environmental Education (FEE) To Host The Prestigious International Eco-Schools National Operators Conference In November 2015 Which Will See Representatives From FEE And The 59 Countries Worldwide Come To Northern Ireland To Share Good Practice And Discuss The On-Going Development Of Eco-Schools For The Benefit Of Young People And Our Environment Globally. As The Host Nation We Will Also Provide Visitors With A Rich And Welcoming Cultural Experience And Will Showcase Some Of Great Work Being Implemented In Northern Ireland’s Schools. We Have Many Excellent Eco-Schools In NI To Be Proud Of And Look Forward To Showcasing The Fantastic Work Of Our Schools To Our Guests From Around The World.
11. THE 2016 ECO-UNESCO YOUNG ENVIRONMENTALIST AWARDS IS NOW OPEN
The 2016 ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist Awards registration is officially open and all interested groups can register now at www.ecounesco.ie.
Now in its 17th year, the Young Environmentalist Awards (YEA), run by ECO-UNESCO, Ireland’s environmental education and youth organisation, is Ireland’s biggest celebration of youth eco action and is an initiative open to young people aged 10-18 years from across the 32 counties of Ireland. The programme sees groups from schools, youth and community organisations come up with real solutions to a host of local and global environmental issues.
“The Young Environmentalist Awards programme keeps growing and growing year after year, not only in the amount of people taking part but also in the level of innovation and passion young people show.”
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Elaine Nevin, national director of ECO-UNESCO
Last year, thousands of young people from all across Ireland entered Ireland’s biggest ECO-Awards scheme for young people. There were hundreds of project entries shortlisted to just 80 finalists following some very competitive regional ECO-Dens, our regional semi-finals. Having impressed the expert judging panel with projects ranging from creating costumes from recycled
aluminium and delivering environmental workshops in schools to investigating egg membranes for their ability to absorb carbon dioxide, the 80 groups went on to attend the prestigious Young Environmental Awards Showcase and Ceremony in May 13th at the Mansion House, Dublin 2.
“The Young Environmentalist Awards programme keeps growing and growing year after year, not only in the amount of people taking part but also in the level of innovation and passion young people show. Last year’s Awards saw innovative young people from across Ireland tackling important environmental issues through projects ranging from creating B&B for birds and bugs to raising awareness about alternative green energy sources. We are looking forward to more outstanding projects this year,” commented Elaine Nevin, national director of ECO-UNESCO.
A ‘YEA Road Show’ will hit towns and villages across Ireland, inspiring and encouraging young people to start their very own eco-action projects. Free training will be provided to all registered groups from the end of September through to October. The training will provide young people, their teachers and leaders with the skills, knowledge and know-how to grow their ideas into a real life action project that will help improve their local school, community or wider world.
Registration to ECO-UNESCO’s Young Environmentalist Awards will close on November 27th. Participants will have to complete their project in one of ten categories including climate change, biodiversity, energy, waste, community development and art and design until the end of February 2016. Once registered, groups can avail of ECO-UNESCO’s training, advice and on-going support as their projects progress.
Teachers and youth leaders can register groups of 2-25 young people by visiting www.ecounesco.ie or by contacting ECO-UNESCO at +353 1 6625491 or [email protected].
ECO-UNESCO’s Young Environmentalist Awards is supported by Department of Environment, Heritage, and Local Government; Department of the Children and Youth Affairs; the Environmental Protection Agency, Dublin City Council, Alupro Ireland, Concern Worldwide and a number of local authorities island-wide.
RESOURCES 1. OPERATION ENERGY RESOURCE
Operation Energy is an exciting education programme from SSE Airtricity, Principal Sponsors of Eco-Schools, which is aimed at inspiring
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teachers, children and parents to become advocates for energy-use reduction, awareness and efficiency. These fantastic free resources, including all downloads, lesson plans and games, are available online at www.operation-energy.com. 2. FIELD STUDIES COUNCIL RESOURCES
Field Studies Council has an excellent range of publications for teachers and students available on their website, to check these out go to the following link.
http://www.field-studies-council.org/publications/for-teachers-and-students.aspx
TRAINING AND EVENTS
1. VARIOUS EVENTS
Don’t forget to check the forum website for various events coming up over the next few months, 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.
2. MAJOR OUTDOORS CONFERENCE COMING TO THE MOURNE AREA
Bookings are now open for the 3rd Nature and Sports Euro’meet 2015 which will take place in Newcastle, County Down, and September 30th-October 2nd. This will be a great event with some excellent speakers and site visits. The full price after that is £240.
Conference organisers Newry, Mourne & Down District Council and Sport Northern Ireland in partnership with the European Network of Outdoor Sports are hopeful that the event will attract over 300 delegates from across Ireland, the UK and Europe.
The conference will provide a platform for delegates to learn about examples of best practice in outdoor recreation from both a European and local perspective and share their experiences with local providers. There are two key themes throughout the conference - increasing participation for all in outdoor sports, and maximising the economic benefits that outdoor sports bring to a region.
The programme has been developed by Newry, Mourne & Down District Council – supported by Tourism NI, Tourism Ireland, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Mourne Heritage Trust and the National Trust. At an international level the programme development has been led by the French Ministry of Sport in partnership with Sport Northern Ireland and other members of the European Network of Outdoor Sport (ENOS).
Chair of Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, Cllr Naomi Bailie welcomed the opportunity to host European visitors, “Bringing the Euro’meet to Newcastle and developing the programme and logistics has been a tremendous example of partnership working both at a local and international level. The conference (30 Sept-02 Oct) will provide a great opportunity to share our experiences of developing outdoor recreation in the Mournes, and showcase the wonderful natural resources that we are so proud of. Importantly, it also
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provides an opportunity to learn from others across Europe, as Northern Ireland seeks to further develop a culture of dynamic sustainable outdoor recreation.”
The conference programme will include a key note speaker from the Directorate General for Education and Culture in the European Commission as well as experts and those who can share success stories from across Europe. Workshops, discussions and plenary sessions will enable creative learning and sharing of information while a fantastic array of site visits in the Mournes area will showcase what is being done to develop outdoor activities there and facilitate informal networking. For more information and book a delegate or exhibition space, visit www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/Euro-meet
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FUNDING
1. BIG LOTTERY FUNDING
This Programme is delivered and funded by the Big Lottery Fund in Northern Ireland and awards funds of between £500 – £10,000 over a 12 month period.
The aim of the programme is to bring real improvements to communities and to the lives of people most in need by funding projects which involve people in their communities, bringing them together to enjoy a wide range of charitable, community, educational, environmental and health-related activities.
We want our money to make a difference by helping:
• People to participate in their communities to bring about positive change • People to develop their skills and widen their experiences • People to work toward better and safer communities • Improve people’s physical and mental health and wellbeing.
We hope these awards will improve people’s lives and will strengthen community activity. For further information see http://www.awardsforall.org.uk/northernireland/summary.html 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
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• ESD Days run at all of Northern Ireland's University establishments • E-mail updates on the Forums activities plus relevant 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 the opportunity to have one page in the ESD resource guide for teachers and group leaders and a free place at an ESD Forum conference each year. 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