A review of World Ocean Day events in Portrush on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th June.
| What would usually be a boring educational centre was transformed into a buzzing, fun day out. |
World Ocean Day celebrations go off with a splash at Portrush, Countryside Centre.
The day included a rockpool ramble, sealife sculptures, a bird walk, a fossil hunt, face painting and a puppet show. Best of all it was all free.
The rockpool ramble was the highlight of our day. We learnt loads about crabs, fish and how to identify different species of shells. Anyone could have a go and you were sure to find a prawn or two.
The countryside centre was packed with adults and young people alike, all there to have a good time at the cost of zilch!
What would usually be a boring educational centre was transformed into a buzzing, fun day out. The volunteers who worked with the World Wildlife, Northern Ireland Trust and other environmental groups were very enthusiastic, approachable and helpful at answering any queries we may have had.
We met an owl from the Environmental and Heritage Service who had lost half of a wing and had been fostered. He was using his disabled cuteness to raise money by posing for photos for £2.
We also met Lucy the Lobster who was on display and hid in her cave for most of the time we were there. In fact, some of the spectators thought that, due to the repetitiveness in it's behaviour, it was a robotic lobster!
The face painting was excellent and we saw a lot of colourful, smiling children that day absorbed in the activities available.
Portrush Countryside Centre will be celebrating World Ocean Day annually and next year they hope to expand the attractions and activities available.
We recommend you come along next year for a great family day out and we can guarantee that one of the activities, whether it is fossil hunting or rockpool rambling, it will interest you and could make your day!
About the team
This article was produced by Orlaith Graham Wood and Amy Magowan Greene, 12. It was published in art.ie.
