New community programme invites you to step up and help protect one of Mayo's most precious lakes
The Lough Carra Catchment Association is calling on people across the catchment -and beyond - to become involved in their new Ambassador Programme, a key part of their Our Lake, Our Heritage initiative.
This exciting community-led project, funded by The Heritage Council, is designed to connect people with the conservation and heritage of Lough Carra.
The Ambassadors Programme aims to support and empower individuals to become stewards for the lake and its surrounding landscape, sharing knowledge, raising awareness and encouraging good environmental practices that benefit the wider community.
Lough Carra, renounced for its iconic marl crust, clear waters and diverse wildlife, is one of only a handful of lakes of its kind left in Europe. It supports rare species, ecologically important habitats, and a long human history stretching from prehistoric settlements to modern-day farms. But like many freshwater systems, it faces threats from nutrient pollution and habitat decline.
The Our Lake, Our Heritage initiative is responding to these challenges by fostering greater community engagement, education, and involvement.
As part of the Lough Carra Ambassadors Programme, participants can attend inspiring online webinars on a range of topics, from lake ecology to archaeology and cultural heritage, along with discussions about relevant environmental issues. The participants will have opportunities to connect with nature by getting hands-on species recording experience in the field, contribute to citizen science during a summer Bio-Blitz as part of Heritage Week, and ultimately play a role in raising awareness within their communities.
No prior experience is required - just some curiosity and a willingness to take part; the programme hopes to support people in becoming confident advocates for one of Ireland’s most unique and fragile ecosystems.
For more details. visit www.loughcarra.org/ambassadors or email info@loughcarra.org.