What We Do

Community at the heart of the Geopark

Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark puts people and place at the centre of everything, working with schools, communities, volunteers, sports clubs and businesses to care for landscapes and build pride in local heritage. Community engagement underpins our education, conservation and sustainable tourism work, from beach games with schoolchildren to specialist programmes with university researchers and local enterprises.

Marine and coastal engagement

Our Marine and Coastal Officer leads a year‑round engagement programme with primary and secondary schools, tertiary institutions, community groups and coastal businesses. Activities range from interactive shoreline workshops and games on climate change and coastal erosion, to talks on marine wildlife and responsible recreation. Along the coast, engagement rangers speak directly with visitors about marine disturbance, wildlife awareness and how to enjoy beaches and harbours responsibly.

Youth programmes and learning

The Geopark delivers a formal Youth Programme with four strands: Junior Rangers, Youth Rangers, Youth Leaders and Community Ambassadors, providing progression from first encounters with nature to leadership and volunteering. Youth Rangers (14–17) develop outdoor skills and conservation experience, while the Junior Ranger Challenge invites 6–13‑year‑olds to attend workshops across forests and beaches and earn a Junior Ranger badge. Schools, colleges and universities can also access curriculum-linked field trips, museum learning sessions and downloadable learning resources that link geology, biodiversity, culture and local stories.

Volunteering, outreach and communities

A dedicated Volunteer and Outreach Officer supports a wide range of community projects, from habitat restoration and eco‑sports activities to bespoke sessions with local groups, clubs and festivals. Volunteering and citizen science opportunities help residents and visitors take practical action for dunes, peatlands, woodlands and coastal habitats, often in partnership with local NGOs and community organisations. Community events, summer schemes and workshops across the district ensure that engagement reaches towns, villages and rural communities throughout the Geopark.

Partner networks and local businesses

People can also engage with the Geopark through formal partnership pathways, including GEOfood, the Geopark Sustainable Tourism Cluster, the Geopark Partner scheme and Geopark Communities. GEOfood connects farmers, fishers, producers and hospitality businesses with the stories of local geology and culture, while the tourism cluster supports businesses to develop low‑impact, place‑based visitor experiences. Geopark partners act as ambassadors for their local environment, working with the Geopark team on events, product development and shared promotion of the region.

Staying connected

The Geopark keeps people informed and involved through an eZine, regular social media updates and a varied events programme promoted via Visit Mourne Gullion Strangford and partner channels. Public talks, guided walks, festivals and online campaigns celebrate local stories and invite community input into new projects and plans. Anyone interested in getting involved—whether as a volunteer, youth participant, partner business or community group—can contact the Geopark team to explore tailored opportunities.