Anna Green and Fern Keeney, Live Here Love Here. Jenni Barkley Belfast Harbour, Orla McGrady and Lynda Surgenor Live Here Love Here.
The activity, led by artist Gavin Wallace, is part of Live Here Love Here’s Healthy Oceans Healthy Minds campaign
People across Northern Ireland are being invited to take part in the creation of a sand art masterpiece at Ballygally Beach on Saturday, August 31.
Sessions will be led by sand artist, Gavin Wallace, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, with the result a huge installation celebrating the wildlife and habitats of Northern Ireland’s iconic blue spaces.
The event, delivered in partnership with Mid & East Antrim Borough Council, will bring an epic close to Live Here Love Here’s Healthy Oceans Healthy Minds campaign. The campaign is sponsored by Belfast Harbour and over 60 events took place throughout August to highlight the impact of marine pollution, and the important wellbeing benefits blue spaces bring to our communities.
Lynda Surgenor, the Manager of Live Here Love Here, said:
“We are hoping people will come out and support this special sand art event. It’s a chance to contribute to something special that will bring attention to the importance of our blue spaces – a really fitting end to this year’s Healthy Oceans Healthy Minds campaign.
“This year has been a great success, once again inspiring environmental stewardship and reconnecting people with the natural beauty of waterways and coasts across Northern Ireland. We are incredibly grateful to everyone that hosted an event and the support across each Council area. It's important that we appreciate our waterways and the contribution they make to our overall well-being.”
The campaign is about creating meaningful experiences that encourage people to better protect marine life. Along with the sand art event, other activities yet to run include a sunset paddle and BBQ at Sketrick Island on August 28th, beach yoga with Beyond Mindfulness at Murlough Beach on August 29th, marine life talks with the NI Marine Task Force at Oakfield Community Development Centre on August 30th, and a “Paddle with a Purpose” event at Strangford Lough Activity Centre.
Jenni Barkley, Community Engagement Manager at Belfast Harbour emphasised the critical role Healthy Oceans Healthy Minds can play in environmental stewardship.
She said:
“Healthy Oceans Healthy Minds aligns perfectly with Belfast Harbour’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and community engagement. We recognise the importance of protecting our marine ecosystems and promoting mental wellness and are proud to support initiatives like this that educate and inspire individuals to take positive action.
“Throughout August, a diverse range of engaging activities took place catering to various interests and age groups, and we are excited to continue bringing access to our coastal areas and encouraging more people to enjoy and protect the Region’s natural beauty.”
To register to take part in the Sand Art event, or remaining activities in the Healthy Oceans Healthy Minds programme visit liveherelovehere.org