The Foyle & Carlingford Ambassador Programme took place across the Foyle Catchment area throughout the month of July.

Young Ambassadors attended a series of educational workshops, reviewed natural environments and studied environmental preservation techniques.

This highly rewarding experience brought lots of wonderful memories, with Ambassadors developing their self-confidence, overcoming fears and, most importantly, creating new connections and friendships.

The series of events in the programme included an introductory workshop at the Everglades Hotel followed by a boat trip on the River Foyle; an angling CAST Taster with the Foyle River catchment Outdoor Group (FROG) at Ballyheather Fishery; a river habitat study and eco-fishing demonstration at Ness Country Park; an exploration of marine biodiversity at Culdaff Beach in Donegal; and a day of surfing with the Long Line Surf School at Benone Beach in Donegal.

To gain the John Muir Discovery Award, Ambassadors must complete four challenges — discover a wild place; explore its wilderness; conserve and take responsibility; and share your experiences — and document them throughout the programme.

One participant shared the following: “I shared my experiences with my family when I got home by describing in detail what I did and learned that day! I LOVE the outdoors. I want to help preserve it so that future generations can experience it too!”

The Loughs Agency gives a huge thank you to all staff who helped with preparation and delivery of the programme.

The Loughs Agency and pupils from Moville Community College in Co Donegal have been exploring the freshwater and marine environments of the Foyle catchment as part of the Foyle Ambassadors Programme.

The five-day Ambassador programme provides a fantastic opportunity for pupils to learn about their local environment outside the classroom through hands-on participative experiences.

One field trip focused on freshwater ecosystems. The ambassadors learned how to collect and identify various mini-beasts found in local rivers, completing a citizen survey to help indicate the river's overall water quality.

Environmental education and outreach officer Aoibheann Gillespie-Mules said: “We had discussions about rivers, highlighting the habitats in which the fish live, the food they eat, the natural threats they face and the impact of human activities and waste on their health and survival.

“It is important for young people to be aware of these local issues and their role in protecting local habitats.”

The ambassadors also explored the intertidal zone of Culdaff Beach. Pupils were amazed to discover a variety of marine life under seaweeds and rocks — from shore crabs and mussels to common prawns, barnacles, limpets and anemones.

Pupils at Moville pupils get a classroom briefing | Credit: Loughs Agency

Ambassadors learned how to identify many marine critters and, most importantly, gently and safely handle and minimise disturbances, always leaving seaweeds and rocks as they were found.

Gillespie-Mules added: “We discussed the importance of our ocean, blue carbon ecosystems and involvement in citizen science projects.

“It was great to see the young people leading a coastal clean-up, collecting litter whilst recording what they found. The Ambassadors gathered over 250 items, including a large rope covered in goose barnacles.”

To end the day, the Foyle Ambassadors got to showcase their creative sides through the designing of marine beach art.

Ambassadors have also received coaching from professional angling guides at a local fishery. For many, it was their first fishing experience, and a few were able catch and release fish for the first time.

Each ambassador received a Loughs Agency rod licence as part of the programme and can continue to fish for the rest of the season.

The Ambassador experience enables pupils to gain the John Muir Discovery Award and complements their learning in subjects such as geography and science. This experience will also plant many seeds for future decision-making regarding protecting and conserving our natural world, the Loughs Agency says.