A total of 9 young people aged 14–16 from within the Causeway region were recognised at the celebration by each receiving an accredited John Muir award for their commitment to the six month programme designed to connect young people to their home, its environment, heritage and history through exploring, learning, protecting and promoting what surrounds them.

Families and friends were welcomed along to meet the practitioners, enjoy the presentation ceremony and watch a dedicated film to see first–hand what their young people have achieved during the twenty outdoor activity based sessions in this exceptional programme.

‘Knowing Your Home’ a free programme combining a variety of outdoor adventures, new skill development and key learnings delivered in the four tenets of the accredited John Muir Trust: Discover, Explore, Conserve & Share.

The project is specifically led by experienced environmental, conservation and outdoor activity practitioners and was described as “extremely rewarding” to be able to share knowledge with the next generation to continue on. Meeting once per week at The Coast Office, Portballintrae Harbour the young explorers learnt new skills and experienced adventure such as sailing, rowing, kayaking, archery, wildlife identification, navigation and basic bush craft across different National Trust locations on the Causeway Coast.

Jim Allen, Causeway Adventures said; “Knowing Your Home not only connects and reconnects young people with their local natural environment, but teaches new outdoor skills in a fun and adventurous way. We are delighted that the National Trust at the Causeway is funding another 6 month round of Knowing Your Home and we are looking forward to welcoming a new group of local 14–16 year olds in September.

With our natural world facing unprecedented pressures, we need more of the next generation to get a better understanding of how valuable it is to our survival and quality of life. That begins by simply getting to know it better”

Max Bryant, General Manager, National Trust said “This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to get outdoors and learn more about their local and natural history of the beautiful north Antrim coast that surrounds them. It is inspiring to see a new generation that are enthusiastic about learning practical conservation skills which is truly invaluable in protecting our special places forever for everyone. At the National Trust we are absolutely delighted to have commissioned this unique project for a second year and following this evening I would highly encourage any young people in the local area to get involved, this brilliant programme will teach a new skill set which can’t be learnt at a desk.”

The 2019 programme is now open for registration, if you are interested in learning more about the programme or would like to secure a place, please contact Jim Allen, Causeway Adventures on 07876516032 or call into the Coast Office, Portballintrae Harbour and ask for Paul.

Alternatively you can secure via The Giant’s Causeway Booking Office on 028 2073 3419 or email northcoastbookings@nationaltrust.org.uk