The Minister learnt more about the biodiversity project during a visit to St Pius X College where she met pupils from the College and Rainey Endowed School in Magherafelt who have completed the project. Ciaran Burns from St. Pius X College and Daniel Rainey and Stuart Thomson of the Rainey Endowed School, completed this project outside of the school curriculum.
Speaking after the presentation, Minister O’Neill said: “Ciaran, Daniel and Stuart have shown immense dedication to gathering information about the tree sparrow, which has suffered a major decline in numbers over the past few years which is partly due to changing agricultural practices.
“This project shows that farmers can help make a difference by managing their land to benefit the environment. Over 12,000 farmers who take part in DARD’s agri-environment schemes are helping to enhance biodiversity by managing habitats on their land to benefit farmland birds such as the tree sparrow.
“I have enjoyed hearing this interesting presentation and I am very impressed by the pupils’ commitment to raising awareness of biodiversity issues to the other local pupils who are here today.” Minister O’Neill presented Ciaran, Daniel and Stuart with trophies on behalf of the teaching staff at both schools who wished to acknowledge their efforts in not only promoting awareness of the tree sparrow but also for the importance of biodiversity, both in their respective schools and in the wider local community.
Source: Northern Ireland Executive – O’Neill Praises Pupils on Biodiversity Project
