John Muir Award

By Catherine

John Muir Award



Our Derry~ Londonderry YMCA Heroes group have taken on the challenge of completing the John Muir Award. 

The John Muir Award is a national environmental award scheme. It encourages people to connect with, enjoy and care for wild places. As part of the award the group had to complete four challenges: discover, explore, conserve and share.


We have been out and about getting some fresh air and discovering local forests and our first outing was to Burntollet Woods just outside of Drumahoe. The 24ha (59-acre) Burntollet Wood lies next to Ness County Country Park in the Faughan Valley. Burntollet wood is a new wood as it is less than 10 years old. From this young woodland you can enjoy stunning views over the beautiful Faughan Valley with its mosaic of newly planted and ancient woodland, and rolling pastures. 

We have loads more activities planned on our journey to complete the award so keep an eye on our blog for updates!





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