Mayo County Council is delighted to announce the funding of ‘Leave No Trace Ireland’ to deliver workshops to primary schools across County Mayo in January and February.
The workshops for primary schools are aimed at 4 th class and provide a fun and engaging way to learn about
Ireland’s natural environment and the Leave No Trace message. Each workshop will last approximately 2 hours and that will consist of a combination of classroom and outdoor learning in the school playground or a park or trail in proximity to the school. The workshops are linked to An Taisce’s Green Flag Programme and the school curriculum. At the end, all students will receive an award, “Leave No Trace champion.”
Sharon Cameron, Environment Awareness Officer with Mayo County Council welcomed the enthusiasm of the schools for the Leave No Trace message. “We have had a great response from the schools for the Leave No
Trace programme and are delighted to fund the workshops in 25 Mayo Schools. The Leave No Trace message of caring for nature and each other is something that people identify with and it is a great opportunity for the children to learn how they can put this message into practice”
David Horkan, Leave No Trace trainer is delivering the workshops. David lectures on the GMIT BA in Outdoor
Recreation and is committed to teaching the Leave No Trace ethos. David is very passionate about teaching and sharing his knowledge and experience with young people.
Leave No Trace is committed to supporting the education with their partners - Mayo County Council. Dr.
Richard Thorn, Chairperson of Leave No Trace Ireland, stresses the necessity of Leave No Trace education and training. “The educational techniques within the programme are designed to minimise the environmental and
social impacts in these areas to ensure we protect Ireland’s countryside”. He emphasised “Hiking, cycling, water sports and other activities are all increasingly popular. With our new travelling trainers programme,
there is a timely opportunity to educate young people across Ireland”.
Further information on Leave No Trace Ireland can be found on www.leavenotraceireland.org
Ends
Contacts
Name: Maura Lyons
Primary number: +353 1 905 9009
Email: info@leavenotraceireland.org
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