Wildlife Wednesday – 31 July 2024

Wildlife Wednesday
31st July 2024

Join us for an action-packed afternoon to learn more about the creatures in our sea and to help preserve the wildlife we love.

Suitable for all ages.

Please book online for this free event to be in with a chance of winning one of our excellent prizes.

Tickets will be drawn out of a hat at the end of the talk (you have to be present to be picked!).

For the first 25 to sign up to any of the activities there will be a free hand-printed tote bag designed by a BYC Youth Member.
• The talk will take place in the Jubilee Room and the beach activities will be on the beach right next to the club.
• Please note that all children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult for the beach activities.
• The rocks where we will be rock pooling are very slippery so please wear shoes with a good gripping.
All prizes sponsored by SailCoach, CharterBoat and Farrans

Event Line Up

12.00 – 13.30 Ulster Wildlife Talks and VR Experience
We will start with a fascinating VR experience with real life footage of full emersion under the waves swimming with the giants in our seas, including sharks.
Talks will start 12.30 and will finish with a free ballot using your entrance ticket
Marine Protected Areas in Northern Ireland – Tori Moore
We have 48 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in NI covering 38% of our inshore waters. They provide protection for a range of species, from weird and wonderful invertebrates, right up to our charismatic marine mammals. Come learn why these areas are so important for the conservation of vital habitats and species around NI and find out how you can get involved to help bring nature back.
Oyster Restoration – Cara Bradley
Native Oyster populations have declined by 95% around the UK. Come and hear about the history of the Native Oyster in Northern Ireland and learn about what Ulster Wildlife are doing to bring this important and iconic species back to Belfast Lough.
Northern Ireland Marine Taskforce – Robert Walsh
Come find out about the Northern Ireland Marine Taskforce (NIMTF), a coalition of marine environmental organisations who are dedicated to ensuring healthy, productive and resilient seas for Northern Ireland, working on marine environmental policy. The talk will focus on the upcoming challenges facing the marine environment, upcoming pieces of legislation designed to protect our species and habitats, along with our key asks for the public to get behind in relation to achieving ocean recovery, to keep the marine environment healthy for all marine users.
Seasearch – Claire Casey
Seasearch is a project for recreational divers and snorkelers who want to do their bit for the marine environment by collecting information about marine habitats, plants and animals that only they see under the water. Join the regional coordinator as they talk about the history and impact of the project in Northern Ireland to date, and how you can get involved.
13.45 – 14.30 Rockpool Ramble and Rockpool Bingo
Join us for a scramble over the rocks to look for crabs, starfish, shrimp, snails and more. For those who wish there will be a Rockpool Bingo spotter sheet with great prizes from Jellycat’s Ocean Collection. (teams of up to 3 people).
14.30 – 15.30 Beach Clean Competition
Help keep Ballyhome Beach! Fantastic prizes for the team (up to 3 people) who collects the most pieces of rubbish. Ulster Wildlife will provide litter pickers, bags and gloves.
15.30 – 16.15 Sandcastle Building Competition with Farrans
Who can build the best castle? Decorate your creation with natural items found on the beach (no other accessories allowed!) The winner will be chosen by our sponsors Farrans. Fab prizes to be won. (Teams of up to 3 people).