Nature for everyone as inclusive biodiversity day opens up Portrush coastline

Families and visitors of all ages and abilities have been given the opportunity to explore the wildlife and natural environment of Portrush’s East Strand through an event designed to make the coastline more accessible to everyone.

The free Inclusive Biodiversity Day, held on Friday 28 August, brought together accessible outdoor activities, environmental education and adapted equipment at the Blue Flag beach.

Organised by the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust (CCGHT) in partnership with the Mae Murray Foundation, the event also celebrated the landscapes, habitats and wildlife of the Causeway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Breaking down barriers to the outdoors

Accessibility was placed at the centre of the day, with organisers aiming to ensure people of different ages and abilities could participate rather than simply observe.

Adapted equipment, including all-terrain wheelchairs, was available to help families access the beach and take part in activities.

Kyleigh Lough, Chief Executive Officer of the Mae Murray Foundation, said the partnership demonstrated how barriers to enjoying the natural environment can be removed.

“Our partnership with the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust demonstrated that nature is for everyone.

“By removing barriers and creating accessible opportunities to explore the coastline, we welcomed people of all ages and abilities to enjoy, learn about and connect with this remarkable environment.

“It was wonderful to see so many people taking part, discovering new experiences and showing that our natural spaces can be enjoyed by everyone when accessibility and inclusion are at the heart of event planning.”

From beachcombing to birdlife

Activities throughout the day included Beach Drums, beachcombing sessions, a guided bird walk and talk, an interactive dune erosion activity, marine wildlife displays and nature journalling.

The programme was designed to give visitors hands-on ways to discover the species and habitats found along the Causeway Coast while learning why their protection matters.

A range of environmental and community organisations contributed activities and expertise, including Ulster Wildlife, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, the National Trust, the Coastal Zone Centre, RSPB, Live Here Love Here and CEDaR — the Centre for Environmental Data and Recording.

The event was also held in support of East Strand’s Blue Flag Award, which recognises beaches meeting standards covering areas including environmental management, education, safety and accessibility.

Connecting people with the Causeway Coast

Tiérna Mullan, Project Officer with the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust, said the day provided an opportunity to combine accessibility with greater understanding of the coastline.

“This event was a fantastic opportunity to bring people together to experience the incredible biodiversity of the Causeway Coast in an inclusive and accessible way.

“We were delighted to work in partnership with the Mae Murray Foundation and alongside so many organisations that generously shared their expertise and enthusiasm throughout the day.

“Supporting East Strand’s Blue Flag Award while encouraging people to connect with and care for the Causeway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty perfectly reflects what this event was all about.

“We hope everyone who attended left with a greater appreciation of our unique coastal environment and the role we all play in protecting it.”

The event highlighted a wider aim of making access to Northern Ireland’s natural heritage more inclusive while helping visitors understand the importance of protecting the habitats and wildlife they come to enjoy.

For organisers, the message from the day was simple: access to the outdoors should not depend on age or ability, and designing accessibility into activities from the outset can allow more people to experience and connect with the Causeway Coast.