Participation in Council Programme Leads to Vital Strangford Lough Research

A former participant in Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Geopark Youth Leader Programme is examining how Climate Change may be impacting on Strangford Lough’s tern population as part of her Master’s dissertation.

Jessica Murray-Gibbons is one of the Council’s representatives on the Landscapes NI Youth Panel which brings together young people from across Northern Ireland to act as ambassadors for the region’s designated landscapes, Geoparks and AONBs.

Jessica, who is from Rostrevor, said her involvement with the Council Programme, designed for young people aged between 16 and 24 to explore nature conservation and help them develop practical outdoor skills, deepened her desire for nature and the need to protect it.

She applied for a place after completing her degree in Anthropology at Queen’s University in Belfast and with a summer to contemplate what she would do next, Jessica chose to pursue a career that made her feel she could make a real difference.

“I realised volunteering could provide me with exactly that – a chance to offer my free time, learn from others and make a difference – no matter how big or small. It was my mum who discovered the Geopark Youth Leaders Programme on Facebook and I applied as soon as possible and was grateful to be accepted,” she said.

Jessica explained the Programme encourages young people to volunteer with the opportunity to achieve the Wild Youth Award and, while volunteering was a key aspect of the programme, participants were also provided with many opportunities to learn through sessions on orienteering, surveying, inspiring and leading others.

Among her stand out memories was a session at Tyrella Beach where Gavin Grant, the Council’s AONB and Geopark and Marine and Coastal Engagement Officer, taught participants about marine wildlife and the importance of protecting it.

“At the beginning of the Programme, I began my Masters in Climate Change at Queen’s to deepen my knowledge on the subject as well as learning ways in which we can protect the planet,” Jessica continued. “I thoroughly enjoy this degree, with the Youth Leader Programme providing me with hands-on experience which has taught me so much, not just on how to plant trees, but also great character development.”

Jessica feels fortunate she was part of the Council Programme and wished there were more opportunities like this when she was younger. She said it’s so beneficial for the younger generation to understand the importance of looking after the natural environment.

“The Programme allows you to get involved in conservation and community volunteering and, importantly, provides a space for like-minded people to connect over their love for nature. I have gained so much from it and been able to see with the help of Gavin and other Council staff Amy Dixon, Therese Hamill and Judith Hassard, that a career in conserving nature is possible,” she said.

“I think a job in conservation is rewarding and fulfilling and the Youth Leader Programme has many fun opportunities; you can make friends with other compatible people which is so special.”

Jessica’s dissertation is examining how climate change, through rising sea levels and increased storms, may be impacting Strangford Lough’s tern populations, most notably, through destruction to nesting habitats. Terns are regarded as some of the most important breeding seabirds on the internationally acclaimed waterway.

“My research is mainly desk-based and I’m using geographic information software to map Strangford Lough and project climate scenarios onto it. This will hopefully reveal what nesting sites will be viable for terns in years to come and will share my research with the National Trust,” she added.

Council Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna said, “The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Geopark Youth Leader Programme has been a great success since its launch and is hugely popular with participants. Involving young people with a passion for the environment in this initiative is fantastic as they are its future guardians. They have tremendous passion for what they are doing, developing a range of outdoor skills and paving the way for careers caring for our precious environment.

“We are fortunate to live in a beautiful part of the world which we all cherish and want to look after for future generations. The Youth Leader Programme is a key part of this and the invaluable work it does is to be commended, with its popularity not only reflecting its importance and significance, but young people’s passion for the environment.”