An Interview with Ciarraí
To celebrate our 20th anniversary, Belfast Hills Partnership sat down with Ciarraí Culbert, a previous Environmental Youth Ambassador for BHP.
Why did you get involved with BHP?
I was initially part of BHP through volunteering, as part of my John Muir award which I completed through my Gaelic club Naomh Gall. I have always been a lover of the outdoors, and growing up I knew that I wanted to give back to all of my local areas which I loved to spend time in, and BHP gave the perfect opportunity to do this with my friends and in an enjoyable learning environment.
What did you get out of it?
The benefits I have reaped from my time at BHP are numerous. Firstly, I have learned many practical skills, from all walks of life including tree planting, tree/animal surveying, litter picking, mural painting, but also communication, team work and cooperation.
I was later chosen as an Environmental Youth Ambassador for BHP in the Our Bright Future youth forum, and got to travel to Manchester and London, and also had many events here in Belfast. Through this I widened my world view, got to speak with many industry professionals and MPs and talk about environmental issues. This all has massively helped me in my university experience, and my varied skill set that I have developed through my BHP experiences have put me forward for other good opportunities
What has being part of BHP meant for you?
It has been an opportunity to develop my own friendships, as BHP is very inclusive of group work and fosters a very cooperative environment, but it has also given me a wider sense of accomplishment, to help the environment in my own local area. I have learned a lot through BHP, which has put me in good stead to carry on into my university degree.
BHP turn 20 this year, is there anything you’d like to reflect on?
I think that BHP has a very impressive and meaningful legacy already that they should be very proud of, and I’m very excited to see how many more young people they can connect with in the future, and I hope that they get to experience the benefits that I have.
What’s your best memory with BHP?
Probably completing our “Bee one with nature” mural on the changing room facilities in Falls Park. What we lacked in art skills we made up for in enthusiasm and we enjoyed it so much from creating the idea of highlighting the issues facing our pollinators, to drawing and painting it ourselves.
What changes have you noticed in the Hills during your lifetime?
In my limited experience, I can say that though there may be worldwide decreases in biodiversity, the Belfast Hills are teeming with life. There are so many native species, as well as bees and so many animals and insects thriving in the hills, but there also is a change in our communities too, with more people than ever willing to get out and help with what they can.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
In 20 years’ time, I hope to have completed my university degree, and hopefully be working in an organisation like BHP, working to help nature recover every day.