Clean Coasts brings roadshow to Wicklow to mark Earth Day

Clean Coasts hosted a family afternoon in Greystones Library and at Greystones South Beach, as part of its annual Clean Coasts Roadshow series. The event was organised with the help of North Wicklow Clean Coasts Group and the Greystones Junior Tidy Towns.

Hosted by Clean Coasts Biodiversity Officer, Liane Costello, the day began with a presentation on biodiversity, with games and activities for the children to partake in. The children learned all about marine biodiversity, the work of Clean Coasts, species they might find on their local beach and the impact of plastic pollution on our marine ecosystems.

After listening to samples of bird sounds, the participants headed to the beach to try and hear the wildlife in action. The children were then given a ‘Biodiversity Bingo’ card with a species indicator list and a map of the South Beach, with instructions to locate the species on the beach – without touching them – and mark their corresponding location on the map.

Liane explained that a habitat mapping activity like this is great for engaging children in their natural environment while also raising awareness surrounding the biodiversity crisis. And thankfully, the weather held out for the duration of the afternoon which meant all species were located on the beautiful South Beach of Greystones that North Wicklow Clean Coasts group work so hard to protect.

The Clean Coasts Roadshow is a series of informative talks and workshops tailored for coastal communities across Ireland, taking place between January and May each year. This initiative brings together individuals interested in protecting their local beaches, seas, and marine environments.

The Roadshow events cover a range of topics, including biodiversity, dune systems, marine litter, wildlife, sustainable developments, and the work of local groups and organizations. These events also serve as a platform for community groups to discuss practical matters, such as building volunteer capacity, attracting new members, and sharing responsibilities. Additionally, Clean Coasts Development officers explain various funding opportunities at a national and regional level, including the Clean Coasts grant scheme for 2024.

In 2023, Clean Coasts celebrated its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of collaboration with communities to protect Ireland’s waterways, coastline, seas, ocean, and marine life. The Clean Coasts Roadshow in 2024 is a special opportunity to connect with and appreciate the communities and volunteers who have contributed to Clean Coasts' growth and success.

Clean Coasts is a charity programme, run through the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce, which engages communities in the protection of Ireland’s beaches, seas and marine life.

Since 2003, Clean Coasts has been working with communities to help protect and care for Ireland’s waterways, coastline, seas, ocean and marine life.

There are over 2,000 registered Clean Coasts volunteering groups and 40,000 volunteers, including the group founded by Greystones Councillor Lourda Scott in 2021, Clean Coasts North Wicklow.