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Learning in the Geopark

Marine and Coastal Education and Engagement

What’s on offer?

Our Marine and Coastal Engagement Officer provides a range of free education and engagement sessions linked to our coasts, marine wildlife and Marine Protected Areas.​

In-person or online

  • “N.I. Marine Priority Species” presentations, using real whale bone, baleen, shark eggcases and other props during in-person sessions.
  • “Avoiding Marine Wildlife Disturbance” workshops.
  • Workshops and presentations on marine and coastal ecology, ocean zones and how our geodiversity supports our biodiversity.
  • Workshops and presentations on N.I. marine and coastal designated species and Marine Protected Areas.​

In-person

  • Marine and coastal citizen science training and community support, including beach cleans and coastal survey support.
  • Citizen science “fundamentals” training, introducing how to gather data in the field, analyse it (where relevant), and record/report it.
  • Interactive workshops using games and props on marine and coastal food webs, species and habitats, sustainable fishing, coastal erosion and defence, climate change, and eco‑moorings.​

All sessions can be tailored to the needs of your school, organisation or group.

Who can request a session?

Anyone within the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark or Strangford and Lecale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) can request an education and engagement session. This includes:

  • Primary, secondary and tertiary education providers
  • Community and youth groups
  • Businesses and social enterprises (including corporate team‑building)
  • Environmental, eco or hobby groups​

Groups or organisations based outside the Geopark or AONB can also request a session, but the activity or learning must take place within the Geopark or AONB boundary and will only be offered if resources are available. If a member of our team is not available, we can recommend one of our trusted partners.

Transport is generally not provided, but a suitable venue can be arranged if required. All sessions are free of charge.

If you would like to arrange a session on any of the topics listed above, please contact our Marine and Coastal Engagement Officer through our contact form.