Family and former teacher honoured

Family and former teacher honoured

1 August 2012

THE annual Mourne Heritage Awards were presented on Sunday.

The awards, hand crafted by local artists, recognise the achievements of an individual and a group in contributing to the enhancement of Mourne’s biodiversity.

In front of a packed venue at Cornmill Quay, Annalong, Peter McGowan was presented the individual award from Chairman of Newry and Mourne District Council, John McArdle. Peter, a retired biology teacher, joined the volunteer team of the Mourne Heritage Trust three years ago.

As an enthusiastic and capable hill walker, he was initially drafted to support Mourne Heritage Trust in the Mourne vegetation survey, before becoming a vital player in the running of the Youth Ranger Programme, which runs annually during the summer.

Peter continues working with Youth Rangers and also helps placement students find their way around the mountains while explaining the ecological complexities of the Mourne ecosystems.

The group award went to the Egan family from outside Clough. Although relative newcomers to the volunteer network of Mourne Heritage Trust, the family was recognised for being some of the most dedicated and enthusiastic conservationists.

Tired of seeing litter strewn across Newcastle beach, they decided to make it their mission to carry out a family litter lift every week, resulting in a ton of litter being lifted in the past six months.

“Once the level of litter on the beach started to decrease, the Egans extended their environmental mission to include the Glen River, showing initiative and commitment to their environment,” said Emma Cunningham, Volunteer’s Co-ordinator for the Mourne Heritage Trust.

“So for their great achievement, enthusiasm and example they set, this award is well deserved.”

Following the presentation of awards, a group discussion followed and the first steps were taken towards setting up a Mourne Field Club.

In the afternoon, everyone went outside to take part in a rockpool rummage, hosted by the Ulster Wildlife Trust, and a coastal botany walk and talk led by local natural historian Jo Whatmough.

Organisers have extended thanks to the Life Adventure Centre, the Ulster Wildlife Trust and all the Mourne Heritage Trust volunteers.

For more information on the Mourne Heritage Trust and its activities contact 028 4372 4059 or visit www.mournelive.com.