News 

A groundbreaking environmental education training facility has been launched at Stranmillis University College, Belfast.

The outdoor learning site features a mini orchard, polytunnel, fruit bushes, woodland area, group shelter, willow dome, wildflower area and raised planting beds. 

Students from a range of teaching qualifications will use the site to deepen their own knowledge about biodiversity habitats, environmental protection and food growing skills. 

The site is one element of Generation Nature, a project developed by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, in collaboration with Stanmillis University College. Generation Nature is funded by Energia’s Greener Possibilities fund, and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

The project is designed to improve teaching confidence levels on crucial climate issues. Globally, a UNESCO survey found that 95% of primary and secondary teachers felt that teaching climate change is important, but less than 30% expressed a readiness to teach it.

The Generation Nature project also includes lectures on nature awareness delivered to students each year, followed up by the opportunity to turn this knowledge into practice by using the teaching site. This provides an opportunity for them to learn how nature awareness can be included in learning across a range of subjects in school.

Stranmillis has committed to including this nature awareness learning in core curriculum compulsory activities- a first for the College.

Commenting on the new initiative, Prof. Jonathan Heggarty, Stranmillis University College Principal, said:

“Outdoor learning is increasingly recognised as an important component of education—fostering creativity, hands-on engagement, environmental awareness and physical wellbeing, while also developing key life skills in young people. Stranmillis continues to provide educational leadership in this area, with our academic research, teaching, and scholarship in outdoor learning at both undergraduate and Masters levels helping shape educational practice and policy across Northern Ireland and beyond.

What sets the College apart is our commitment to turn research and theory into action. As Northern Ireland’s first designated eco-campus, we embed sustainability into many aspects of campus life. Initiatives such as our involvement in Forest Schools, the launch of the interactive Centenary Nature Trail, and the development of the Out and About outdoor learning resource reflect our dedication to nurturing environmentally conscious communities.

In partnership with Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, our newest initiative- Generation Nature, takes this commitment even further. This innovative programme supports student educators with tools and training to integrate sustainability into the curriculum. A special focus on growing food—through school gardens, planting projects, and eco-friendly gardening practices—gives pupils first-hand experience of where food comes from, the importance of biodiversity, and the environmental impact of food systems.

Generation Nature helps tomorrow’s teachers reconnect with the natural world, fostering a sense of responsibility and hope for a more sustainable future—one seed, one lesson at a time.”

Eric Randall, CEO of Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful said:

“We are delighted to see the Generation Nature site launched today. We know that our young people face greater environmental challenges than ever before. This project is about equipping teachers with the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to prepare future generations to tackle these challenges head on.”

The site was opened with a planting workshop attended by Stranmillis student teachers and pupils from Stranmillis primary school.

Gwyneth Compston, CSR Manager as Power NI, part of the Energia Group said:

“It’s great to be able to support our Greener Possibilities Charity, Keep NI Beautiful with the launch of their Generation Nature project.

The aims of the Greener Possibilities Fund are closely aligned with UN Social Development Goal 11 on Sustainable Communities and 13 on Climate Action, as well as Energia Group’s on-going commitment to sustainability and the community, so it has been great to be able to provide support and bolster the valuable work being done by Generation Nature.

This garden will help to educate our next generation of teachers and children in biodiversity and sustainability, helping to implement positive and lasting change.”

The Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, MLA said:

“I am very proud that my Department has supported the Generation Nature programme which will help our teachers confidently share their knowledge and improve nature awareness among our young people. Education is vital in tackling environmental challenges, and the skills developed at this site will ensure our teachers have the chance to learn, to connect with others and to take action to create a cleaner, greener and healthier environment for us all.”