Province’s schools get eco-creative!
Young creative types out there are certainly concerned about conservation. That’s official after a record number of entries were received for the Castle Espie Wetland Centre’s EcoArt 1d-3d competition.
Based on four categories; renewables, wetlands and their creatures, moon and tides and conservation, the event was sponsored by NIE Energy who provided the overall prize of £1000 for essential school equipment. Other event partners included The Irish Astronomical Association and NI4Kids.
Open to all schools in the Province the artistic venture tasked children to work together as a team providing a collective entry for their school. Judged by well known wildlife artist, Julian Friers, the winners have just been announced.
The overall first prize of £1000 for essential equipment from NIE Energy, was awarded to Victoria Park Primary School (P6), East Belfast. Runners up for each category were Comber Primary School (P2) ‘Moon and Tides;’ Cregagh Primary School, Belfast, (art club), ‘Wetlands and their Creatures;’ Strandtown Primary School (P5), ‘Renewables’ and Grosvenor Grammar School, (year 1) ‘Conservation.’
Castle Espie Marketing Manager, Gill McNeill said,
“We are confident that the event highlighted the importance of protecting the environment for future generations, while inspiring thought, provoking action and encouraging community-based art in schools.”
Adding, “ We shall be launching the 2011 competition in March and anticipate a great response.”
Castle Espie is open every day from 10.00am. Access to the car park and visitor centre is free of charge but usual admission applies to the wetlands. The Loughshore Café offers freshly baked meals and snacks and a fully stocked shop, theatre, soft play area, Graffan Gallery and fabulous grounds, offer the opportunity to make a real day of it!
Why not join today and get your admission back. Your return visits will not only be free to Castle Espie but to all eight satellite centres throughout the UK, which includes Slimbridge, Glos and London Wetlands!
