08-05-2025
Tralee students gets hands-on experience in protecting Kerry beach dunes at coastal workshop
Kerryman
Over seventy students from Presentation Secondary School in Tralee recently took part in a hands-on conservation event at Banna as part of the Clean Coasts Roadshow. The event was run in collaboration with LEAF Ireland, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), and Clean Coasts.
The students participated in a range of activities aimed at protecting Banna's unique dune ecosystem, including beach cleaning and planting marram grass, a key plant that helps stabilise sand dunes. The workshop was led by Rachel Geary, the National Coordinator of LEAF Ireland, with support from NPWS Conservation Ranger Bríd Colhoun, who spoke about the importance of preserving local biodiversity.
'Banna's dunes can rise up to 12 metres and play a crucial role in coastal defence,' said Rachel, adding 'they're also a valuable habitat for birds and wildlife. Protecting them means staying on paths, educating others, and getting involved in events like this.'
Liane Costello, Biodiversity Officer with Clean Coasts, guided the marram grass planting. She highlighted the importance of the plant in dune systems and praised the students' enthusiasm.
'Getting hands-on experience is one of the best ways to connect with nature,' said Liane who added 'dunes across Ireland are under threat, and protecting them is essential for both biodiversity and coastal resilience.'
The Clean Coasts Roadshow runs from January to May and brings environmental talks and workshops to coastal communities around Ireland. Topics include dune conservation, marine litter, and local wildlife. The programme also supports community groups in growing their volunteer networks and sharing knowledge.
Both Clean Coasts and LEAF Ireland are educational initiatives of An Taisce, The National Trust for Ireland.
