Derry and Strabane schools lead the way for a ‘Green Christmas’

This festive season, schools in Derry and Strabane are marking a ‘Green Christmas’ by using the new myEARTH platform to power their Eco-Schools projects and inspire pupils to take meaningful environmental action.

Launched earlier this year, myEARTH is Northern Ireland’s new digital hub for environmental action. Developed by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful in partnership with Northern Ireland Environment Link (NIEL), the platform makes it easier for schools, families and communities to discover and take part in sustainability projects, connecting them to a growing network of local environmental organisations.

This year marks the first full cycle of Eco-Schools activity being coordinated through myEARTH, with 308 schools now using the platform to plan, track, and showcase their environmental projects. Supported by a network of more than 40 delivery partners - including the National Trust, Ulster Wildlife, RSPB NI and The Weatherbies - schools have access to resources, events, and expert guidance, helping pupils and Eco-Committees bring their sustainability initiatives to life across topics such as waste, energy, biodiversity, and climate.

A key feature of the platform is its digital Action Cards, which provide step-by-step instructions aligned with Eco-Schools topics. With these tools in place, schools can now manage projects, monitor progress, and celebrate achievements – and Bligh’s Lane Nursery School, an Eco-Schools school with two Green Flags, has been leading the way.

As part of its Christmas programme, pupils are taking part in a range of sustainability-themed activities linked to the myEARTH Action Cards. These include a Christmas Jumper Swap Shop, upcycled decorations, food waste reduction initiatives, and a charity reuse drive. Pupils are also engaging with a mini-garden project, planting bulbs and caring for them, and participating in story time sessions about caring for the planet.

Bligh’s Lane Nursery School pupils lead activities as part of the Eco-Schools programme using myEARTH

The nursery’s pupils are actively involved in planning and delivering these projects, from voting on themes and designing decorations to leading small tasks such as explaining recycling to peers or setting up the jumper swap shop. Through these experiences, they are developing valuable skills including leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, communication, empathy, social awareness, and creativity.

Alice Buchanan , Environmental Education Coordinator at Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, said: "The move of Eco-Schools activity onto the myEARTH platform marks a meaningful step forward for environmental education in Northern Ireland. It gives pupils practical tools to plan, record and share their sustainability projects, helping them clearly understand the impact of their actions. myEARTH goes beyond tracking progress – it helps schools weave environmental thinking into daily learning and gives young people the confidence to take positive action for their future.

"By embracing the platform, schools like Bligh’s Lane Nursery are showing how technology can strengthen environmental learning and connect pupils, families and communities in making a real difference for nature and climate across Northern Ireland."

IN PICTURES: Steelstown P1 superstars light up the stage in festive play

Children from P1 took part in the annual Nativity play at Steelstown PS

IN PICTURES: Festive magic as St. Eithne’s PS hosts heartwarming special school and community Santa celebration

The celebration was held in St. Eithne's PS assembly hall

Managed by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful and supported by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the Eco-Schools programme in Northern Ireland has reached a milestone this year, with over 50% of schools now flying a Green Flag. The success of schools like Bligh’s Lane Nursery demonstrates the crucial role platforms such as myEARTH play in supporting the next generation of eco-conscious leaders.

The myEARTH project is funded through a £488,557 grant from Dormant Assets NI, which is delivered by The National Lottery Community Fund.

For more information visit www.myearth.org.uk.