Young people from Trillick and Fintona participate in Earth Action

Young people from Trillick and Fintona took part in Earth Action, a joint environmental initiative between the Education Authority Youth Service and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, at Trillick Leisure Centre and the Ecclesville Centre, Fintona.

Through activities, Earth Action aims to promote environmental sustainability and educate the young people on the importance of protecting the environment and actions they can take whilst also instilling civic pride in the local community.

The Council’s Climate Education Officer, Reece England, delivered a Grow Your Own workshop providing the young people with tips to help them to start growing their own food at home.

Reece raised awareness of the positive impact that homegrown food can have on the environment including reducing food miles and the volume of plastic packaging generated which ultimately reduces carbon emissions; reducing chemical use to help protect biodiversity; and supporting local wildlife.  He also highlighted the personal benefits of homegrown produce including having access to fresher, tastier and more nutritious food as well as saving money.

The young people also took part in a litter-pick in their local area to highlight the importance of Leave No Trace and the adverse impact that litter can have on our natural landscapes and local watercourses.

Speaking about the initiative, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor John McClaughry, said:

“I am delighted that the Council had the opportunity to work in partnership with the Education Authority to engage with the young people in these environmental activities.

It is important for the Council to encourage everyone to take action to help protect our environment, particularly our young people as they are the future of the District.  Initiatives such as this helps to encourage them to become Climate ambassadors.”

Louise McCullagh, Area Youth Worker for the Education Authority Youth Service, added:

“Our young people from Trillick and Fintona are engaging in Earth Action, a local project delivered by EA Youth Service, in Partnership with Fermanagh Omagh District Council (FODC). This project is helping to promote environmental sustainability and creating a cleaner, greener future.

The project will involve a “Grow Your Own Workshop” with the local council encouraging young people to become self-sufficient, and active citizens within their community. Our young people will also engage in a litter pick to help to maintain their community spaces and prevent pollution. The community of Trillick and Fintona are very supportive of their young people and we are lucky to have so many that are keen and eager to learn about their environment and how we can help protect it.”

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is committed to nurturing and supporting academic, business, community and other partnerships to build capacity to protect and enhance our environment.  The Council undertakes various outreach programmes across the District to show or commitment to achieve this.

For more information on Climate Action, visit the Council’s Climate Change website or contact the Climate Team on climate@fermanaghomagh.com.