Ballinascreen Scouts win prestigious Environmental Hero Award
It's been a busy week for the group as fundraising efforts are also ongoing with a local man set to take on a mammoth challenge in aid of the scouts
33rd Derry Ballinascreen Scouts are celebrating this week after receiving a prestigious award.
On Friday night, June 20, the group was awarded the Environmental Hero Award at the Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards.
Judges at the annual awards praised the Ballinasreen scouts for its efforts that 'go far and beyond simple litter picks'.
“They build insect hotels, bird boxes, squirrel feeders, and revitalise rivers and ponds, all using recycled materials,” judges said.
“From their youngest Beaver Scouts to their teenage adventurers, each child is taught the first lesson of outdoor pursuits – take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.
“Their hands-on work in conservation isn’t just good for nature but it is helping to transform their community, inspiring young people to protect what matters.
“They’ve planted native trees, restored neglected spaces, and championed the red squirrel’s return.
“Their leaders and youth members are united by one shared belief, the earth matters, and they can make a difference.”
The award was presented to the group by weathermen Frank Mitchell and Barra Best.
33rd Derry Ballinascreen Scouts, which was founded in 1994, prides itself on its 'strong outdoor ethos'.
Scout leader Collwyn Brunton said: “Caring for the environment has always been at the heart of what we do - just as it is for scout groups across the world.
“For over 30 years, we’ve been teaching our youth members how to enjoy, respect, and protect the outdoors.
“From learning how to leave no trace, to taking part in conservation projects, environmental stewardship is woven into everything we do.
“This award recognises the passion, dedication, and hard work our group has put into preserving our wild places — and the generations of scouts who have carried those values forward.”
A short clip on some of the projects that earned the scouts the recognition can be viewed here
Meanwhile, a parent of one of Ballinascreen scouts has chosen the group as his nominated charity for donations while taking on a mammoth challenge.
He hopes to make the 105 miles along the Royal Canal to the finish line in Dublin while raising some funds for 33rd Derry Ballinascreen scouts along the way.
Collwyn says he is delighted that Ryan has decided to raise funds for the scouts.
“All funds that are raised will go into Ballinascreen Scouts keeping us able to run a quality outdoor programme for our youth members,” he said.
“If you can spare a few pennies, we would appreciate your support.”
Donations can be made via Ryan's Just Giving page