A new environmental education programme has given year 13 and 14 pupils from Holy Trinity College in Cookstown the opportunity to learn about challenges facing Lough Neagh first-hand.

The programme was developed by the Lough Neagh Partnership in collaboration with Holy Trinity College and Henry Brothers, a construction company. It combined an outdoor boat trip from Ballyronan Marina with classroom sessions at the school.

Topics covered included water quality, blue-green algae, biodiversity, climate change, human impacts on the lough, and actions that communities and businesses can take to support its recovery.

Gerry Darby, manager of Lough Neagh Partnership, said Lough Neagh is one of the most important natural assets in the area and it is critical for the next generation to appreciate its unique environment.

Darby said the initiative was designed to link environmental science with practical examples of sustainability and responsible environmental management. He added that the partnership hopes to develop the programme further by working with more schools and businesses.

Michael Stevenson of Holy Trinity College said the college was delighted to collaborate on the project. He said the boat trip offered students an invaluable hands-on learning experience that connected classroom learning with real-world environmental education.

Felicia Bumblys, social value co-ordinator at the Henry Group, said Henry Brothers was pleased to be part of the project and committed to supporting local communities and environments.

The programme explored the ecological and cultural importance of Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the UK and Ireland, and encouraged students to consider becoming ambassadors for its protection.