Ballygarrett pupils learn about Little Tern conservation at Old Bawn Beach

Pupils from Ballygarrett National School swapped the classroom for the coast as they took part in a hands-on learning experience at the Cahore Little Tern Conservation Project on Old Bawn Beach.

Fourth and fifth class students visited the site alongside the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Clean Coasts and Ballygarrett Tidy Towns to learn about the Little Tern—one of Ireland's rarest breeding seabirds—and the importance of protecting its fragile coastal habitat.

Using binoculars and spotting scopes, the children observed Little Tern chicks from a safe distance while watching adult birds dive for fish and feed their young. They also spotted ringed plovers and a grey seal during the visit.

The students later joined a Biodiversity Bingo activity led by Clean Coasts, identifying a range of coastal wildlife including shells, seaweeds, crustaceans and shark and ray egg cases.

The Cahore Little Tern Conservation Project works to protect the vulnerable seabird, which nests on beaches along the Wexford coast before migrating to West Africa later in the summer. Because the birds nest on mainland beaches, their eggs and chicks are particularly vulnerable to disturbance, predators and rising sea levels.

Organisers said the visit was designed to help young people connect with the wildlife on their doorstep and inspire the next generation to care for Ireland's natural environment.

The event was organised by the NPWS, Clean Coasts and Ballygarrett Tidy Towns, with refreshments provided by The Beach Hut at Old Bawn and transport sponsored by Gorey Coach and Bus.