Mayo schoolchildren take part in hands-on nature sessions on Lough Carra
CHILDREN from several Mayo primary schools have been donning wellies and rolling up their sleeves to explore the freshwater aquatic macroinvertebrate life of Lough Carra, as part of a series of educational pond-dipping trips hosted by the Lough Carra Catchment Association and the Lough Carra LIFE Project.
Held on the shores of the lake during the recent spell of fantastic weather, the sessions gave pupils a unique opportunity to get up close with the tiny creatures that inhabit the shallow margins of this internationally important marl lake.
Students learned how to collect, identify and record aquatic invertebrates such as caddis fly, mayfly and dragonfly nymph. They also participated in bird and plant identification, gaining firsthand experience of the diverse wildlife and habitats around the lake.
Importantly, throughout each visit, students learned about the delicate balance of the lake's ecosystem and the threats it currently faces.
“This is about inspiring the next generation of lake stewards,” said Joanne McGovern, education and awareness officer with the LCCA. “Pond dipping is always a hit with school children - and there’s something magical about watching them discover the hidden life beneath the surface. It sparks curiosity and hopefully will build a real sense of connection to the lake. And by getting them involved hands-on, we hope to show children just how special the lake is and why we need to look after it.”
Teachers also praised the sessions, with Castlebar Educate Together describing it as “a day that will live long in our memories.”
Schools also highlighted how the activities align with the school curriculum and provide invaluable opportunities for outdoor, experiential learning.
Lough Carra - renowned for its crystal-clear waters, marl bed, and rich biodiversity - is facing growing pressure from nutrient enrichment. Ann Marie Meaney, surface water officer with the Lough Carra LIFE Project, explained that this is having a profound effect on water quality, with invertebrate communities providing a clear signal of the pressure the lake is currently facing.
She pointed out: “These small aquatic invertebrates are vital indicators of water quality and by studying their presence, abundance or their absence, we can show the effect nutrient enrichment is having on water quality in Lough Carra.”
The Lough Carra Catchment Association and the Lough Carra LIFE Project hope that initiatives like these will help raise awareness of the issues facing the lake among both children and the wider community, and plan to expand their school engagement activities over the coming year.
If you're interested in volunteering, learning more about Lough Carra, or getting involved in its education programme, you can reach out to the Lough Carra Catchment Association through the following channels: education@loughcarra.org or www.loughcarra.org.