Belfast Harbour Environmental Project ‘Takes Flight’

Schools Project with RSPB & Young at Art Launched

Ten primary schools from across Belfast are taking part in a new environmental project provided by The RSPB and Young at Art and supported by Belfast Harbour.

Focusing on birdlife and the wider environment of Belfast Harbour, the project is based in The RSPB’s recently opened Window on Wildlife (WOW) nature reserve in the Harbour Estate.  The area includes 195-acres set aside for nature conservation and more than 100 different species of birds and other wildlife have been recorded at the site.

Participating schools will receive a free 90-minute educational session at WOW, including an interactive workshop, a tour of the reserve and curriculum-linked education activities. Pupils will also receive follow up activities and resources following their visit.

Catherine Gleave, acting Education Manager at RSPB Northern Ireland said:

“We are delighted to deliver this project to P6 and P7 children in partnership with Young at Art and Belfast Harbour, to help give pupils an appreciation of the incredible wildlife which exists in the heart of Belfast. Belfast WOW is a fantastic place which enables the public to see the wildlife of the Harbour at close quarters.  The reserve has a panoramic window which allows amazing views of the wildlife on the lagoon and there are also two new hides, constructed from shipping containers to blend into the Port surroundings, which offer a different perspective on the reserve.”

Jenni Barkley, Belfast Harbour’s Communications & Corporate Responsibility Manager, added:

“Belfast Harbour is really pleased to provide schoolchildren with the opportunity to visit the Harbour and explore the area, whilst learning about the environment, wildlife and its importance. We are confident that the children will really enjoy their experience and learn that it is possible for the environment and industry to co-exist together.”

Species which can be seen at Belfast WOW at this time of year include konik ponies, lapwings and wading birds like black-tailed godwits. However as a stop-off for migrant birds from all around the globe, there’s always wonderful wildlife to see whatever the season.