Academy environmental team in action

Ballymena Academy Young Environmentalist Society pupils Anna Maybin, Hannah McVicker, Kezia Mitchell and Alex Balmer are seen here with teacher Mrs N Kerr and senior lab technician Mr W Warwick as they make bird boxes which will be placed in trees in the school grounds. INBT 06-101JC

The Ballymena Academy Young Environmentalists’ Society each year devotes time to building bird boxes which are then erected in the school grounds and beyond as part of a drive to sustain habitats and encourage species to take up residence in the 88 acre site.

The team of pupils meets each week to tackle a range of environmental projects from growing and harvesting vegetables in a polytunnel to producing a handmade paper from pulp provided by recycled material and using it to make gift cards. The Young Environmentalists’ group is led by Mr Warwick and Mrs Kerr, whose experience and enthusiasm nurtures an awareness of and interest in environmental issues.

Mr Warwick commented, “It is great to see so many of our pupils interested in the environment and willing to get their hands dirty as they participate in the many activities on offer.”