Council Supporting Schools and Communities to Protect District Environment

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is continuing to play a pivotal role educating, engaging and empowering communities to care for the local environment.

Supporting the Live Here Love Here civic pride campaign spearheaded by the independent charity dedicated to connecting people and nature, the Council is supporting local people, including schoolchildren, to care for their natural surroundings.

The Live Here Love Here small grants scheme supported 16 projects across the district in 2024/25, with £28,647 awarded by the Council, with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive contributing £1,410. Almost 200 groups and 3,422 volunteers supported the charity’s Adopt a Spot initiative empowering individuals, groups and businesses to care for and improve their local environment.

District-wide, there are 58 Green Flag Eco Schools which have been officially recognised for integrating sustainability into their core culture, curriculum and daily operations.

Participating in the international awards scheme equips student-led committees to tackle environmental issues, reduce their carbon footprint and earn the international green flag recognition for taking practical steps for living sustainably.

Over recent years, local schools have consistently demonstrated their commitment to environmental education and sustainability with those that wish to get involved provided with dedicated learning materials, planning tools and local guidance from the Council’s Environmental Education team and dedicated Eco-Schools Officers.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council hosts the annual environmental poster competition with the winning entries displayed across the district, with the Environmental Youth Speak Competition designed to encourage young people to discuss important environmental issues.

Recently, three of the district’s beaches, Cranfield, Murlough and Tyrella, retained their prestigious Blue Flag status with the internationally recognised award presented to beaches and marinas that meet the highest standards in water quality, safety, accessibility, environmental management and cleanliness.

The awards reflect the hard work and commitment of Council staff, partner organisations, volunteers and local communities who help maintain important natural assets for residents and visitors to enjoy, providing clean, safe and accessible beaches, while protecting and enhancing the natural environment.

And eight locations across the district have secured Green Flag accreditation which is the benchmark national standard for parks and green spaces in the UK.

At its monthly meeting on 1 June, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council approved a recommendation from its Sustainability and Environment Committee to increase its financial contribution in 2026/27 to Live Here Love Here to £32,500 to support its continued work.

Council Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna said, “It is marvellous that we have 58 Green Flag schools across the district which reflects the importance young people place on not only keeping our district clean, but preserving it for future generations. Almost 15,000 pupils are engaged through accredited Eco Schools with every one pound invested by the Council producing a return of almost five times that.”

Cllr Hanna said working in tandem with Live Here Love Here, the Council continues to help protect the environment and build resilience in communities.

“We all have a duty to take care of our environment, take our litter home with us and leave no trace. The ongoing work across our schools is vital, instilling the need for environmental protection in the next generation and caring for this place we all call home. We need to continue having pride in our respective communities and remember that even making the smallest contribution can make a major difference,” said the Chairperson.

“Our district has secured Blue and Green Flag awards for beaches and parkland and this is a very special place to live. We need to continue looking after it.”