“Cradle Of Christianity” Plays Host In Year Of Biodiversity

May 24, 2010 - PRLog -- As part of the “International Year of Biodiversity”, Scottish Borders-based social enterprise, Borders Environmental Education Services (BEES) is running a week-long eco-tourism holiday in July, based on the John Muir Award – the only such event being held throughout the entire county.

Unlike most other eco holidays, participants are not limited to working on one single project for an organisation.  Instead, five days are spent moving around the region, focusing on activities including the carrying out of biological and habitat surveys on the island of Lindisfarne, the “cradle of Christianity”; uncovering lost pathways at Bamburgh Castle and clearing ragwort and gorse at Dunstanburgh Castle.  Guests are treated to guided tours throughout the holiday, escorted by representatives of Natural England and The National Trust.

In addition, one “day off” is scheduled, when guests are able to join the National Trust for a boat trip to the Farne Islands – home to hundreds of sea birds and seals.

Pete Carthy, an experienced teacher and founding director of BEES, is eager not only to show off the Northumberland coastline – designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, but to encourage visitors to contribute to its sustainability and the growth of its natural wildlife.  He says:

“BEES is the only organisation in the county to run eco-tourism holidays, based on the John Muir Award.  Rather than simply encouraging visitors to come and help with an individual project, we aim to offer a true “experience”, with groups being directly involved in preserving the history, flora and wildlife of the region.  Our guests love Northumberland for its many areas of unspoilt coastline and countryside, and derive great satisfaction in the knowledge that they are helping it to remain this way for many years to come”.  

The John Muir Award is an environmental award scheme focusing on “wild” areas, encouraging awareness and responsibility for the natural environment.  It is based on four distinct “challenges” – “Discover”, “Explore”, “Conserve” and “Share”.  At the end of the holiday, participants will be able to gain the John Muir Discovery Certificate.

“It’s a great opportunity to do something really worthwhile, enjoy your beautiful natural surroundings and make new friends”, says Pete.  “All activities are carried out as a team, including daily meal preparation, logging the day’s work, creating some environmental art and holding a cook-out on the beach”.

BEES’ Northumberland eco-holiday is being held from 17-24 July 2010 and is limited to twelve places.  The price is £200 and is fully-inclusive from the time guests arrive at the designated site.  For further details, contact Pete Carthy on 01835 869869, email pcarthy@bee-active.org or visit www. http://www.bee-active.org/ecotourism.htm.

# # #

B.E.E.S is led by Pete Carthy, an experienced Primary School teacher and Forest Schools Leader, with ten years of teaching experience, in a variety of different settings. Throughout this time, he has taken a lead role in schools, for environmental education initiatives and is at the cutting edge of delivering the curriculum through outdoor learning. He also has nearly twenty years of experience in developing, running and leading conservation projects & community development projects throughout the country.