Fermanagh young people complete John Muir Award scheme with LELP

Young people from across the county have been commended on their dedication to the conservation of the local Fermanagh environment after completing the John Muir Award scheme through the Lough Erne Landscape Partnership (LELP).

1st Lisnaskea scouts.

LELP is the first organisation in Fermanagh to be accredited as a provider for the John Muir Award scheme. The award encourages awareness and responsibility for the natural environment through a structured yet adaptable scheme, in a spirit of fun, adventure and exploration.

LELP, in partnership with the National Trust (Crom Estate) and Extern Group (Erne Youth Support) has been delivering two bespoke schemes over the past few months with 30 young people from around Co. Fermanagh to complete their John Muir Award.

Two locations were used for these inaugural schemes, one being the Crom Estate outside Lisnaskea and the other Lough Avilly, near Enniskillen. The schemes were delivered through funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Hope for Youth NI and the DAERA Environmental Challenge Fund and in partnership with several local organisations including the Belleek Men's Shed and the Erne Paddlers.

Two locations were used for these inaugural schemes, one being the Crom Estate outside Lisnaskea and the other Lough Avilly, near Enniskillen. The schemes were delivered through funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Hope for Youth NI and the DAERA Environmental Challenge Fund and in partnership with several local organisations including the Belleek Men's Shed and the Erne Paddlers.

Elmarie Swanepoel (LELP), Rosemary Ford (LELP Board Member) Nikki McVeigh (National Heritage Lottery Fund) Chrissie Pendrey (Hope For Youth) Tony Smith (LELP).

The first of these John Muir Award events was held over five days at Lough Avilly where nine young people from Extern’s Group (Erne Youth Support), with the support of their leaders, took part in a range of environmental activities from tree planting, invasive species removal, building bird and bat boxes and learning about waste and its effects on the environment.

The second scheme was held at Crom Estate with 21 young people and eight leaders from three different Scout groups taking part. These young people and their leaders carried out a range of important biodiversity and sustainability activities from removing Brash and clearing the litter on land and in water. They also completed their Leave No Trace Certified Awareness course. The young people also learnt about the rich wildlife and habitats that Crom has to offer.

On Saturday, May 20, LELP hosted a celebration event for the two groups of young people, commending their dedication to the conservation of the local Fermanagh environment. Throughout this project, these young people have learned the importance of Biodiversity and how it allows us to live healthy and happy lives. In return, they have been able to give nature a helping hand.

As part of the celebration event, the young people spent the morning at Share Discovery Village in Lisnaskea trying out various water activities and exploring the beautiful surrounds of Lough Erne. They were then treated to a lunch at Crom Estate, receiving a personal message of congratulations via video message by Dara McAnulty, the award-winning author and naturalist who grew up in Fermanagh.

Every participant received their John Muir certificate as well as a backpack filled with resources that will enable them to continue to discover the landscapes of Lough Erne.

Every participant received their John Muir certificate as well as a backpack filled with resources that will enable them to continue to discover the landscapes of Lough Erne.

Extern young people and staff.

Elmarie Swanepoel, Programme Manager for the Lough Erne Landscape stated: “We are very pleased to have been accredited as a formal provider of the John Muir Awards scheme. This scheme will enable us to work with many groups of young people in the future to offer quality environmental award schemes that is inclusive, accessible, non-competitive and challenging.”

During the celebrations, Nikki McVeigh, Committee Member of The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Northern Ireland who provided funding for the project stated: “We are delighted to support this inspiring group of young people to achieve their John Muir Award certificates. Thanks to National Lottery players, the Lough Erne Landscape Partnership provided the opportunity for young people to not only learn about the outstanding natural heritage of Lough Erne, but to become truly involved in it and make a difference.”

Chrissie Pendry, Committee Member Hope for Youth in Northern Ireland, also stated: “It’s incredibly exciting to see our local Fermanagh youth being offered the opportunities delivered by this amazing team at Lough Erne [Landscape] Partnership who devise such relevant and valuable projects. What a fantastic opportunity to achieve this prestigious award.”

Tony Smith, Environmental Education officer for LELP added: “It is obvious that the John Muir Award Scheme promoted personal development and skill building in these young people. They got a chance to learn about the local environment, habitats, and biodiversity. All this whilst strengthening friendships and making a difference to nature.”

Tony Smith, Environmental Education officer for LELP added: “It is obvious that the John Muir Award Scheme promoted personal development and skill building in these young people. They got a chance to learn about the local environment, habitats, and biodiversity. All this whilst strengthening friendships and making a difference to nature.”

Scouting Ireland Scout Groups, 14th Fermanagh Derrylin and 4th Fermanagh Lisnaskea.

If you would like to learn more about the work of the Lough Erne Landscape Partnership visit www.lelp.org.uk or contact the team by emailing info@lelp.org.uk