More than 6,000 trees planted as myEARTH inspires families to get outdoors

The myEARTH platform has encouraged the planting of 6000 trees, and 1427 habitats to be created for wildlife across Northern Ireland

A digital platform designed to help people take practical action for the environment has inspired the planting of more than 6,000 trees across Northern Ireland in just over a year, while also helping to create 1,427 new wildlife habitats.

The figures, released by myEARTH, highlight the impact the free platform has had since launching last year, with organisers also encouraging families to make the most of its activities and educational resources during the summer holidays.

Developed by Live Here Love Here in partnership with Northern Ireland Environment Link (NIEL), myEARTH connects environmental charities, schools, community groups and households through a simple rewards-based system designed to encourage people of all ages to spend more time outdoors while helping nature.

Thousands of environmental actions recorded

According to data submitted by users, the platform has inspired a significant amount of environmental activity across Northern Ireland.

Since launching just over a year ago, participants have:

• Planted more than 6,000 trees

• Created 1,427 wildlife habitats

• Collected more than 10 tonnes of litter – roughly equivalent to the weight of a double-decker bus

• Recycled around 100,000 pieces of litter

• Logged more than 170,000 hours enjoying outdoor activities

The platform works through “Action Cards”, which are uploaded by environmental organisations, education providers and community groups. Users can choose activities including litter picking, bird watching, nature walks, tree planting and recycling, earning points as they complete each challenge.

Organisers say the approach makes environmental action accessible while encouraging people to develop lasting habits that benefit both nature and their own wellbeing.

Summer activities for families

With schools now on their summer break, myEARTH is positioning itself as a resource for parents looking for free, family-friendly activities across Northern Ireland.

The platform features events and activities from organisations including The Conservation Volunteers, Ulster Wildlife and RSPB.

Among the seasonal activities available are Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count, encouraging children and families to spot and record native butterfly species during the summer months.

RSPB is also offering Action Cards that encourage users to plant wildlife-friendly flowers to attract garden birds, while points can also be earned by visiting its nature reserves across the region.

Older children aged 11 and above can use the platform to take part in Ulster Wildlife’s Wild Youth Awards during the school holidays.

Alongside outdoor activities, parents can also download a wide range of free educational resources designed to help children learn more about protecting the environment and creating a more sustainable future.

Helping people take action

Alex Hall, Project Manager at myEARTH, said the platform was created to remove barriers for people who wanted to help the environment but were unsure where to begin.

He said:

“We were aware that people care about the environment, but they didn’t know how to help it. This is a platform that bridges that gap.

“It makes it easy to get outside, engage with the world around us, and learn how to appreciate it and protect it.

“As the data shows, we have sustained an engaged in our first year and are looking forward to developing the action cards even further to continue to incentivise schools, families, community groups. Everyone is welcome.”

myEARTH is funded through a £488,557 grant from Dormant Assets NI, delivered by The National Lottery Community Fund.

Families, schools and community groups wishing to get involved can register, browse available Action Cards and log completed activities by visiting www.myearth.org.uk.

As summer gets underway, organisers hope the platform will encourage even more people across Northern Ireland to explore the outdoors while making a practical contribution to protecting the environment.