"You might wonder why we are involved in climate change and related things. All of this is going to impact water. So the hope here is that by bringing kids and adults, we might at least better understand the issues and help each other to make slight changes to maybe tip the balance back in favour of nature."
"Gretta McCarron, who leads the centre's educational programmes, said she found most people "are actually open to doing something" about climate change and biodiversity loss, but many don't knowing where to start. Those operating Knocknagrave simply asked those at their community events what they wanted to learn."
""A lot of people said they were interested in knowing more about green buildings, passive housing, what it means to get your house green, what the benefits are, what the challenges are," Ms McCarron said. "People said they were interested in learning how to grow their own vegetables. The most important thing is to be secure in food and energy. People don't know the basics. So it's to tell them how it is possible, what the benefits are, what the challenges are - all of those kinds of things.""
Knocknagrave Environmental Centre and Biodiversity Garden grew from Tydavnet Group Water Scheme's concern for local waterways. The facility occupies a former national school and features solar panels, a heat pump, woodland walk, pond, grassland, bog and a biodiversity garden across an acre. Educational programmes focus on practical skills such as growing food, household energy improvements, green building and passive housing. Staff engage the community by asking what people want to learn and by hosting local events. The centre receives partial EU Leader funding and hosts school visits that enable young people to explore nature and environmental stewardship.
Read at Irish Independent
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