CastleCourt joins forces with RSPB’s Big Schools’ Birdwatch

by MyUlsterLife001 • February 4, 2015 • Business, City News, Events, Gardens & Interiors, Health & Wellbeing • Comments (1) • 2314

CastleCourt joins forces with RSPB’s Big Schools’ Birdwatch to support the local community and keep the City’s eyes on the skies

CastleCourt, Belfast’s favourite shopping centre, welcomed pupils from P5, P6 and P7 from St Mary’s Primary School to attend an educational session in CastleCourt, led by RSPBNI’s education team, as part of this year’s Big Schools’ Birdwatch.

With a combination of craft and games, the children learnt about how they can easily attract any wildlife to their own home, and about the many hazards facing migrating birds that call Northern Ireland home during the warmer months.

After hearing some helpful hints on feeding techniques and what to look for, the children were joined by Environment Minister Mark H Durkan at Buoy Park, to spend some time putting their new skills to good use by conducting a ‘bird and bug watch’.

CastleCourt is committed to connecting with neighbourhood schools in 2015, thereby strengthening their position as a key figure in the memories and traditions of the city as a whole.

CastleCourt Centre director, Paul McMahon said:

“Having been a part of this city’s beating heart for 25 years, CastleCourt is delighted to partner with the RSPB in helping broaden the perspectives of our local schoolchildren. We are thrilled to welcome the pupils of St Mary’s to educate and enlighten them as to the natural world they can enjoy on their own doorsteps. It is vital for us to look beyond the steel and concrete of the city streets and appreciate the flora and fauna that can be found throughout Belfast, regardless of whether you are on Royal Avenue or Black Mountain.”

Catherine Gleave, RSPBNI’s Youth & Education Officer, who led the event, said:

“Big Schools’ Birdwatch is a great opportunity for children to get involved in the world’s biggest wildlife survey. Children of all ages can learn about the birds visiting their school grounds and local green spaces, even if they are in the heart of a city. Schools can get involved until 13 February by visiting www.rspb.org.uk/schoolswatch.”

Commending CastleCourt and RSPBNI for getting local school children involved in the Big School Birdwatch initiative, Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said:

“I congratulate CastleCourt and RSPBNI for holding this event in the heart of the City. I am glad to lend my support to this important initiative. Helping our children enjoy and understand nature is one of the most important things we can do. It helps enrich their lives and encourages us all to look after our very special environment here in the North.”

Image on MyUlsterLife.com main page > Camila McCourt (Marketing Manager, CastleCourt), Ynah Galla, Environment Minister Mark H Durkan, and Catherine Gleave (RSPB) and Tom Delaney at Buoy Park, Belfast