Natural NI hotspots are focus of new citizen science series

Some of Northern Ireland’s most stunning environmental hotspots are the focus of a new TV series highlighting citizen science carried out by local schoolchildren.

‘Na Dulradóirí’ by Paper Owl Films, a new educational environmental programme from a Belfast based production company, will air on TV screens across Ireland this week.

The 12-part series will be shown on TG4 and will see local school children across Northern Ireland get to grips with some of our prime environmental locations - including Strangford Lough, Tollymore Forest and Portmore Lough - and supplying scientists from around the world with research on our unique wildlife.

The programme will examine our impact on some of our various species, including red squirrels, seals, red deer and badgers.

The creative team at Paper Owl produced the programme with the aim to not only educate young people and their families  about the detrimental impact our actions can have at both a local and global level, but to empower young people to make a difference – by observing, recording and making local spaces safer for our unique wildlife.  

Grainne McGuinness, Managing Director of Paper Owl Films, said: “We’ve been working on this project now for over a year and we’re so excited to see it finally come to life this week on our screens.

“We’re thrilled to see this go on air on on the Cúla4 young people’s zone on TG4  this Autumn, thanks to the support of Northern Ireland Screen’s Irish Language Broadcast Fund.

“Paper Owl is genuinely passionate about protecting our natural environment and we want to get the message across at a young age that what you do even in your own backyard can have global repercussions.  

“I believe Ireland boasts some of the most beautiful natural environments and we hope Nu Dulradóirí showcases that.  We hope the series will instill a sense of pride in the beauty of our natural landscape and wildlife to our younger generation.”

Children are encouraged to upload their findings on ‘Citizen Science’ websites where scientists from around the world can access the data.

Grainne said: “Young people today are extremely au fait with technology from a very young age.  We wanted to capitalise on their love of technology and gadgets by combining it with a love and interest of the outdoors.  

“It’s quite an empowering message we want to convey – today’s technology enables children to help on a much bigger scale as results can be shared across the globe in a matter of minutes.  They really can make a difference on a bigger level.”

Fionnuala Nic Corraidh from West Belfast will present the programme alongside Donegal presenter Colm Mac Giolla Easbuic.  Children from schools across Northern Ireland will feature across the 12 episodes.

The first episode aired on Wednesday on TG4 and runs until 7th December.  For more information visit www.paperowlfilms.com  The series was funded by TG4 & ILBF.

Pupils took part from these schools:

St Malachy’s College

The Abbey Scoil na Mainistreach, Newry

Dominican College Belfast

Laurel Hill Community College, Lisburn

Strathearn School

Bangor Grammar School

Bloomfield Collegiate

St Joseph’s Dungannon

Gaelscoil Éanna, Newtownabbey

Glenlola Collegiate, Bangor

Priory Integrated, Holywood

St Joseph’s Convent Grammar School Donaghmore

Our Lady and St Patrick's College, Knock

Bangor Academy

Sperrin Integrated College, Magherafelt

Rockport, Holywood