TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tips 40 – Balla Tidy Towns

Did you know…

• • The Tidy Towns competition in Ireland promotes community pride and environmental stewardship through local beautification efforts..

•  Tidy Towns awards recognise Irish communities for their dedication to cleanliness, landscaping, and sustainable development initiatives.

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TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 40 – Balla Tidy Towns

This week on Ours to Protect we speak to Pat Boyle chairman of Balla Tidy Towns & William Nestor manager of Balla Community resource Development about the tidy towns and the initiatives they’ve taken on as a community. For more in this series, listen in to Midwest Radio[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tips 39 – Claremorris Mayfield Community Development

Did you know…

• • Retrofitting houses improves energy efficiency, often through insulation, sealing, and upgrading heating/cooling systems, reducing environmental impact.

•  Retrofitting homes may also improve safety by including elements such as seismic reinforcements and fire-resistant materials.

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TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 39 – Claremorris Mayfield Community Development

This week Midwest Radio went to the Mayfield Commnity Development Building, where we speak to Alma Gallagher, Pat Lavin & James Donnelly about the retrofitting and other work done around the Claremorris and Mayfield area. For more in this series listen into Midwest Radio every Friday at 9.50am.[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tips 38 – Claremorris & Junk Kouture

Did you know…

• • Junk Kouture is a global student fashion contest promoting sustainability. Participants craft stunning outfits from recycled materials, fostering creativity and environmental awareness in the fashion industry. 

•  Junk Kouture encourages young designers to transform trash into fashion,[...]
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TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 38 – Claremorris & Junk Kouture

This week Midwest Radio spoke to some of the youngsters in youthreach Claremorris that are participating in the Junk Kouture national final, with a dress they have made out of recycled materials. For more in this series listen in to Midwest Radio every Friday at 9.50am.[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tips 37 – Ballyhaunis Choill Beag planting

Did you know…

• • The oldest Irish tree, known as the ‘Silken Thomas Tree’ is a yew tree that is approximately 800 years old and can be found in Maynooth.

• Trees have the ability to remember past events and can[...]
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TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 37 – Ballyhaunis Choill Beag planting

This week Midwest Radio went to the Friary Grounds in Ballyhaunis to the first Choill Bheag (small wood) to be planted in Mayo.  For more in this series, listen in to Midwest Radio every Friday at 9.50am.[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tips 36 – Fair Seas

Did you know…

• • Ireland's fair seas report urges an 18-fold increase in Marine Protected Areas by the decade's end to restore habitats and combat the climate emergency.
  • Ireland's coastline is approximately 7,800 kilometres (about 4,847 miles) long.

[...]
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TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 36 – Fair Seas

This week Midwest Radio spoke to Grace Carr & Jack O’Donovan about marine wildlife and the Fair Seas project.  For more in this series listen in to Midwest Radio every Friday at 9.50am.[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tips 35 – St. Tiernans Community College & Environmental Innovators

Did you know… BiOrbic’s Environmental Innovators programme

• BiOrbic is a national collaboration of over 100+ researchers, focused on the development of a sustainable curricular bioeconomy
• A core purpose of BiOrbic is to engage, involve and empower[...]
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TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 35 – St. Tiernans Community College

This week Midwest Radio spoke to the students of St. Tiernan’s College in Crossmolina about their Agri Aware’s and BiOrbic’s Environmental Innovators programme award which they won last week.  For more in this series listen in to Midwest Radio every Friday at 9.50am.[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Episode 34 – Verde Ireland

This week Midwest Radio spoke to Dr. Gary Canny from the company Verde Ireland, where we looking at fuel spillages, their potential damages and what to do in the event of a spillage. For more in this series listen in to Midwest Radio every Friday from 9.50am.  [...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tips 33 – Retrofit your Home

Did you know…

• • Ireland promotes energy-efficient home retrofitting with grants, tax incentives, and government schemes..
  • Retrofitting homes in Ireland aims to enhance energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and boost sustainability.

• The SEAI supports Ireland's retrofitting[...]
  More

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 33 – Retrofit your Home

This week Midwest Radio spoke to Geoff Kenny electric Ireland superhomes about the retrofitting of homes to ensure heat remains inside the home.[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tips 32 – The Deposit Return Scheme

This week Midwest Radio looked at the new re-turn scheme coming into effect from the first of February. Did you know…?

• Only 60% of plastic bottles and cans are being collected for recycling through green bins, therefore over 30% are not collected and are[...]
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TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 32 – The Deposit Return Scheme

Starting February 1st, Ireland's Deposit Return Scheme for plastic bottles and cans launches. Consumers pay a refundable deposit on bottles/cans with the Re-turn emblem. After consuming, return empty containers to participating stores for a reimbursement. Niamh Kelly, Head of Communications and Marketing at Re-turn emphasises[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tips 31 – Peat Restoration

This week Midwest Radio spoke to Gary Smyth from Kiltimagh about the restoration of peat lands in county Mayo. Did you know…

• • Ireland's peatlands, which span 17% of the nation, store massive carbon stores and support unique wildlife.
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TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 31 – Peat Restoration

This week we spoke to Gary Smyth who helped establish the river moy trust, about peat restoration in the region. For more in this series listen in to Midwest Radio every Friday at 10.45am[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tips 30 – Brown Bins

This week Midwest Radio spoke to Pauline McDonogh who works at mywaste.ie about the new brown bin service being rolled out across the country this month. Did you know…

• Brown bins are used for the disposal of food waste
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TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 30 – Brown Bins

This week we speak to Pauline McDonogh from mywaste.ie about the new brown bin services in the country. For more in this series listen in to Midwest Radio every week at 9.50am.[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 29 – Recycling

On this the first episode of Ours to Protect in 2024 the theme of the week is recycling. We spoke to Sharon Cameron from Mayo county council about the topic, and focus in on correctly disposing of Christmas trees and other recyclable material left over from[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tips 29 – Recycling

This week Midwest Radio spoke to Sharon Cameron from Mayo county council about the importance of recycling coming out of the festive period and going into 2024.   Did you know…  

• Ireland introduced the world's first plastic bag tax in 2002, leading to a 90% reduction[...]
  More

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 28 – Solar Energy

This week we spoke with Pat Taffe the project Manager with VerDay who work in environmental consultancy. For more in this series listen in to Midwest Radio every Friday at 9.50am[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tips 28 – Solar Energy

This week Midwest Radio spoke to Pat Taffee for the group Verde where we focused on their work with solar energy. Did you know…

• Each hour, the sun provides Earth with enough energy to meet global power needs for an entire year.
• More

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 27 – A Sustainable Christmas Present

This week we spoke with Kevin O’Brien from children’s charity Variety Ireland, a charity that helps provide bicycles to children right across Ireland. Kevin begins by telling us the core values and principles of the charity. He then explains the process behind the up cycling[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tips 27 – A Sustainable Christmas Present

This week Midwest Radio spoke to Kevin O’Brian from the children’s charity variety Ireland about the work they do in up cycling and recycling bikes and iPads before giving them to children Did you know…

• Cycling promotes youth health, reduces environmental impact, and fosters[...]
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TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tips 26 – A Sustainable Christmas

Did you know…

• • Decorative lights left on for 10 hours daily over a month can contribute to significant energy consumption. 

•  Switching to LED holiday lights uses up to 90% less[...]
  More

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 26 – A Sustainable Christmas

This week Midwest Radio looked at how you can have yourself a sustainable Christmas in 2023. For more in this series listen in to Midwest Radio every Friday at 9.50am[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tips 25 – Mayo County Council Action

Did you know…

• Over €24 million euro has been announced in climate action funding for local authorities across Ireland.
• Mayo county council have received over €600,000 in funding through the national community[...]
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TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 25 – Mayo County Council Action

This week Midwest Radio launched the Mayo county council climate action fund. For more in this series listen in to Midwest Radio every Friday at 9.50am[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tips 24 – Green Friday

Did you know…

• Planting trees improves air quality, absorbs carbon dioxide, enhances biodiversity, and mitigates climate change, fostering a healthier, sustainable environment
• Trees combat erosion, provide habitat for wildlife, offer shade, and contribute to a visually appealing landscape, enhancing overall[...]
  More

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 24 – Green Friday

This week Midwest Radio spoke to Cian Charlton from the clothing company 35 Vintage about their ‘Green Friday’ initiative they are running this year, planting trees for every item of clothes sold. For more in this series listen in to Midwest Radio every Friday at 9.50am.[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tips 23 – The Balla No Name Club

  DID YOU KNOW….. Diversity: There are over 600 species of oak trees found throughout the world. They are native to the Northern Hemisphere but can be found in diverse environments, from tropical rainforests to arid deserts. Longevity: Oak trees are[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 23 – The Balla No Name Club

This week Midwest Radio spoke to Amy Mallee from the Balla No-Name Club about the project that was undertaken by the group to plant 150 oak trees and create a walkway throughout the area. For more in this series listen to Midwest Radio every Friday at 9.50am[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tips 22 – The power of solar

This week Midwest Radio spoke to Darren Forde Mayo person of the year and David from switch2solar about solar use in different areas. Did you know…

• Solar Panels can operate with indirect sunlight so the benefits[...]
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TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 22 – A solar powered life saver

We begin this week by speaking to Mayo person of the year Darren Forde, on Croagh Patrick! He tells Tommy about his solar powered defibrillator. We then talk to David Doherty from the company switch2solar about how exactly solar power is generated. For more in this[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tips 21 – The Biobus

This week Midwest Radio hopped on board the biobus as it rolled into Castlebar  Did you know…

• • A mobile display called The BioBus will travel throughout Ireland for five weeks, stopping in each[...]
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TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 21 – The Biobus

This week as the biobus rolled into Castlebar and Midwest radio hopped on board this first of a kind bus. It is administered by the Bioeconomy Research Centre at Biorbic. Polly begins by explaining to Stephen what are various items outside of the[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 20 – SHARON CAMERON MAYO COUNTY COUNCIL HALLOWEEN SPECIAL

This week as we approach Halloween, Sharon Cameron from Mayo county council joins us to give some helpful advice and what you can do to be environmentally friendly this Halloween. Sharon begins by telling us how things have changed in regards to Halloween celebrations in recent[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tips 19 – Sustainable Schools

This week Midwest Radio took a trip to St Louis Community School in Kiltimagh to visit their new school library Did you know…

• • The school library in St. Louis secondary school in Kiltimagh[...]
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TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 19 – Sustainable Schools

Listen back to this week's episode as we took a trip to St Louis community school in Kiltimagh, to talk to the student about their new school library, where everything from the books to the furniture have been repurposed and reused. For more in this series listen in[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tips 18 – Beekeeping for diversity

This week Midwest Radio spoke to local farmer and Beekeeper Jude Walsh Did you know…

• Beekeeping boosts pollination, improving crop yields and supporting biodiversity, making it an eco-friendly and vital practice.

• Beekeeping helps reduce the[...]
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TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 18 – Beekeeping for diversity

This week we spoke to the secretary of the Mayo beekeepers club in Ballina, Jude Walsh. He is also a farmer with a keen interest in biodiversity. For more in this series listen in to Midwest Radio every Friday at 9.50am[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tips 17 – Water for everyone

This week Midwest Radio took a trip to the Killaturley group water site just outside of Swinford Did you know…

• The group water scheme in Killaturley was set up over 50 years ago, when a famer stumbled upon the[...]
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TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 17 – Water for everyone

Listen back to this week's episode as we take a look at the Killaturley group water site just outside of Swinford and meet Tony Morley and Michael Devaney who tell us about how they went from a small group water scheme to supplying the town of Swinford. For more[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tips 16 – Solar Energy at Home

This week Midwest Radio looked at how the Solar energy and its growth across the country  Did you know…

• Solar energy arrived in Ireland for widespread use in the mid-2000s, gradually gaining popularity since.
• Ireland's largest[...]
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TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 16 – Solar Energy

Listen back to this week's episode from Midwest Radio as Gerry begins with some useful solar energy tips. As part of the national ploughing championships last week we spoke to Connor Mangan from the Solar-Co PV experts group, where we chatted all things renewable energy. There’s[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tips 15 – The Claremorris Western Development Co-operative

This week Midwest Radio looked at the Claremorris Western District Co-Operative, and how they hone in on energy production. Did you know…

• Data Center Surge: Ireland's energy demand surged due to hosting major data centers.
More

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 15 – The Claremorris Western Development Co-operative

This week we spoke to Patrick Neary the secretary of the Claremorris & Western District Co-Operative that hone in on energy generation for Claremorris and the surrounding areas. Patrick begins by telling us the origins of the group and the benefits of sustainable energy[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tips 14 – A Green Schools ceremony

This week Midwest Radio looked the green schools within county Mayo Did you know…

• The Green Schools Project in Ireland has saved over 90,000 trees through paper recycling.
• Ireland's Green Schools[...]
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TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 14 – A Green Schools ceremony

This week we head back to the Green Schools ceremony, where schools across the region collected their green flags, we caught up with two secondary schools on the day, St. Brendan’s college in Belmullet and sancta maria college in Louisburgh. We begin by asking Pheobe a[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tips 13 – Westport Community Garden

This week Midwest Radio visited the Westport Community Garden  Did you know…

• The Westport community garden was set up over ten years ago and is open for anybody from the Westport area to attend.
• More

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 13 – Westport Community Garden

This week we went to the Westport Community Garden to talk to committee members about this garden and it’s main uses. We began by asking the chairperson Gemma Hennessy about the length of time the community garden has been in operation in the town. Committee[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tips 12 – Biodiversity and the Mayo Men’s Shed

This week Midwest Radio spoke to Seamus Swift from the Kiltimagh and Mayo men’s sheds about the role biodiversity plays in the groups. Did you know…

• • Men's sheds in Ireland offer community spaces[...]
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TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 12 – Mayo Men’s Shed

This week we caught up with Seamus Swift from the Mayo & Kiltimagh men’s shed. Seamus begins by telling us about the role of biodiversity in the men’s shed’s right across Mayo, along with their recent work. He tells us about their project in which the men’s[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tips 11 – The Mayfield Loop Walk in Claremorris

This week Midwest Radio went to the biodiversity inspired Mayfield lake looped walk in Claremorris  Did you know…

• • Claremorris' Pollagh Conservation Area nurtures wildflowers, sustaining butterflies and enhancing local biodiversity.. 

• More

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 11 – The Mayfield Loop Walk in Claremorris

This week we spoke with Sean Heneghan from the Mayfield lake looped walk in Claremorris, which hones in on Biodiversity, plants & wildlife. For more in this series, listen to Midwest Radio every Friday at 9.50am[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tips 10 – When the GAA go Green

This week Midwest Radio looked at the Connacht Gaa Centre of Excellence and its environmental practices.  Did you know…

• Connacht GAA Centre recycles rainwater, promoting eco-friendly water usage.
• Renewable energy powers[...]
  More

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 10 – When the GAA go Green

This week we took a trip to the Connacht Gaa Centre of Excellence in Bekan to speak with Connacht Gaa CEO John Prenty & Facilities Manager Kurt Ryanheart, about the environmental practices they’ve undertaken. For more in this series listen in to Midwest Radio every Friday at 9.50am[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tips 9 – The beaches of Mayo

    This week Midwest Radio looked at the beaches and sand dunes in county Mayo and how best to preserve them Did you know…

• • There are 12 blue flag beaches in county[...]
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TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 9 – The beaches of Mayo

This week we spoke to Jim Horan administrative officer for the environmental section to Mayo county council, and Tom McDonnell regional coordinator for climate action in the western region, about the beaches in county Mayo Jim begins by telling us about the blue flag beaches in[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 8 – Mayo County Council

This week we visited Arás an contae in Castlebar to speak with Laura Dixon the climate action co-coordinator for Mayo county council & John McGee the head of enterprise at the Mayo enterprise office. We start by taking to Laura about Mayo county council’s new climate[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tips 8 – Mayo County Council

This week Midwest Radio looked at the development of Mayo’s new climate action plan Did you know…

• • The Mayo county council must draw up a new climate action plan by 2024. 

• More

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 7 – The Moy Valley Decarbonising Community

This week we speak to Neil Cruise from the Moy Valley Decarbonising Community, this project covers the areas of Knockmore, Foxford, Bohola & Pontoon. We ask Neil about the project’s two strands, the first being a new sustainable green project in Foxford. Neil goes on[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tips 7 – The Moy Valley Decarbonising Community

  This week Midwest Radio looked spoke to the Moy Valley Decarbonising Community Group  Did you know…

• • The Moy Valley Decarbonising Community Group was set up back in March of 2022. 

• More

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 7 – The Moy Valley Decarbonising Community

This week we speak to Neil Cruise from the Moy Valley Decarbonising Community, this project covers the areas of Knockmore, Foxford, Bohola & Pontoon. We ask Neil about the project’s two strands, the first being a new sustainable green project in Foxford and hear about how  More

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tips 7 – The Moy Valley Decarbonising Community

  This week Midwest Radio looked spoke to the Moy Valley Decarbonising Community Group    Did you know…

• • The Moy Valley Decarbonising Community Group was set up back in March of 2022. 

• More

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tips 6 – Climate Action Louisburgh

  This week Midwest Radio spoke to Climate Action Louisburg Locality about what they’ve done with regards to the environment at a local level   Did you know…

• A community-based initiative organizes regular "bike-to-work" days to promote eco-friendly[...]
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TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 6 – Climate Action Louisburgh

Listen back to this weeks episode as we speak to some of the member of Climate Action Louisburgh Locality about their climate action initiative. We chat to founding member Roseary Tiernan about how the group came to be and members Jim Campbell, More

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 5 – The Dark Skies Project

Listen back to this weeks episode as Stephen speaks with Georgia MacMillian the Mayo Dark Skies Development Officer about the Mayo Dark skies project. Hear Georgia explains the ties between the Mayo dark skies & the Wild Nephin National Park and explain what we[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tips 5 – The Dark Skies Project

  This week Midwest Radio looked the development of the Mayo Dark Skies project in conjunction with the Wild Nephin National Park Did you know…

• Mayo Dark Skies is home to Ireland's first International Dark Sky Park, recognised for[...]
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TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tips 4 – Ballina Costume Company recycling

This week Midwest Radio looked at how the Ballina costume company has focused in on the recycling of it's costumes Did you know…

• • The Ballina costume company was founded in 2002 and has[...]
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TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 4 – Ballina Costume Company

Listen back as Midwest reporter Stephen meets the Ballina Costume company to hear their philosophy on recycling. He chats with the company manager Jane Crene and founding member of the Ballina Costume Company Dot Walsh about the change in peoples attitudes towards clothes recycling over the years. Hear[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tips 3 – Biodiversity in Crossmolina

  This week Midwest Radio looked at how a community has adapted their new sensory garden to include more bio-diversity Did you know…

• By planting wildflowers, you can attract more bees and other insects to your garden,[...]
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TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 3 – Biodiversity in Crossmolina

Listen back as Alana meets with the Crossmolina Community Council chats with them about plans to introduce a biodiversity park and the installation of solar panels in the town. For more in this series, listen in to Midwest Radio every Friday at 9.50am for more[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 2 – Green Schools in Mayo

Listen back as Stephen speaks with the students and teachers of Knock Primary School as they collect their 6th flag  - this one is for Global Citizenship! Listen in to Midwest Radio every Friday at 9.50am for more in this series[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tips 2 – Green Schools

[...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Tip Sheet 1 – Biodiversity and Sensory Gardens

This week Midwest Radio looked at how a community has adapted their new sensory garden to include more bio-diversity Did you know…

• By planting wildflowers, you can attract more bees and other insects to your garden, which will help with pollination
• Steps as[...]
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TITLE: Midwest Radio – Weekly Episode 1 – Sensory Gardens and Bio-diversity

Listen in to Midwest Radio as they discuss sensory gardens and the importance of bio-diversity. Listen in every Friday at 9.50am for more in this series [...]

TITLE: Midwest Radio – Episode 1 – The Panel

Join Tommy Marren on Midwest Radio for a panel discussion introducing the 'Ours to Protect' series of environmental programmes that will run for a year. Listen in every Friday at 9.50am for more in this series   [...]