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Schools get snappy with Nature's Hotspots

Last modified: 05 October 2009

RSPB Portmore Lough nature reserve, County Down
RSPB Portmore Lough nature reserve, County Down

Portadown College is getting snappy at their local nature reserve and its all for a good cause. They’ve been looking at RSPB’s Portmore Lough, their local Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI), through the lens of a camera as part of the RSPB’s ‘Nature’s Hotspots’ photography competition.

            ASSIs are the most important places for wildlife in Northern Ireland and the conservation charity wants to highlight the valuable role they play by celebrating them on celluloid.

            “There are over 400 ASSIs in Northern Ireland,” said Colum Delany, RSPB. “They are the rich places where wildlife thrives that we take for granted and only miss when gone. ASSIs deserve to be protected and looked after, and we are hoping that this competition will get the public out there to show how much they appreciate these places.”

            The school has been learning about their particular ASSI as part of their GCSE in Environmental and Land Based Science.

“It is such an asset having a place like Portmore Lough on our doorsteps,” said Dr David Henderson. “There is no substitute for first-hand experience when it comes to the issues that they are studying. When we heard about the photography competition we were only too happy to lend a hand spreading the word about our own local ASSI. We hope that as many people in the area take part and send a strong message to the government that we want these places looked after.”

The Portmore Lough reserve boosts a host of designations due to the site’s importance to wildfowl, insects, plantlife and otters. It is a wetland habitat with extensive reedbeds and a central lough. It also has an arable field that is filled with blue flax flowers and corn marigolds. These will feed large flocks of tree sparrows, linnets and reed buntings over the winter.

            “It is really great being able to visit this reserve after learning so much about it,” said student Louise Halliday. “It is important that we understand environmental issues because we are the ones who will be looking after it in the future.”

            To enter the RSPB’s ‘Nature Hotspots’ competition go to www.rspb.org.uk/northernireland. Find details, plus information about ASSIs open to the public, including RSPB reserves. Competition closes November 1st.