Leitrim's Trevor Seery recognised for environmental efforts

Trevor Seery, a local environmental advocate from Drumsna, Leitrim, has been awarded a 2024 Climate Ambassador Award by An Taisce for his notable contributions to climate action. Seery was recognized for his leadership in tree planting, biodiversity efforts, and resourceful community initiatives that have helped address climate change at a grassroots level.

The award, presented at An Taisce’s annual Climate Ambassador Awards on November 30th, acknowledges individuals who have made significant strides in environmental activism. Seery’s efforts this year included planting over 800 trees, many of which were grown from locally gathered seeds. He also played a key role in revitalizing his local environmental group, organizing events such as Heritage Week, Tree Week, and a Bio Blitz for Street Feast, which brought together people to learn about and engage with nature.

Seery’s environmental work goes beyond tree planting. He was actively involved in controlling invasive species, such as Himalayan Balsam, through the Leitrim Environmental Network. One of his standout projects, the “Balsam Bashing Workshop,” was a hands-on event that mobilized the community to address environmental challenges while raising awareness of the importance of protecting local ecosystems.

In addition to his tree planting and invasive species work, Seery demonstrated resourcefulness by building a display stand and cold storage box for seeds using upcycled pallets. “It’s about using what we already have to make a difference,” Seery said. “Sustainability often means being creative and resourceful, not always spending money on new materials.”

Seery’s recognition at the Climate Ambassador Awards highlights the impact of local, community-driven climate actions. “The Climate Ambassador Programme shows how much can be achieved when citizens are empowered to make a difference in their own communities,” said Gráinne Ryan, Climate Action Manager at An Taisce.

The 2024 awards recognized 148 individuals across Ireland for their climate actions, which collectively engaged over 265,000 people. Seery was one of just ten individuals to be honoured for his consistent dedication to climate action.

While Seery’s work continues to inspire local communities, he remains focused on spreading the message that everyone can contribute to the fight against climate change. “It’s not just about big changes; small, local actions add up,” Seery said. “We all have a part to play in protecting the environment.”

The Climate Ambassador Programme, funded by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, continues to grow, training citizens to take action in their communities and tackle the challenges of climate change. Seery’s award serves as a reminder of the power of grassroots efforts in shaping a more sustainable future.