Students gathered at Nene Valley last week to get an insight into the local coastal habitat.

Students discovered the significance of coastal habitats and the importance of protecting them for local and migratory shorebirds.

Four Mulga Street Primary School are participating in the Limestone Coast Landscape Board’s Young Environmental Leaders Program (YELP) guided by the board’s education coordinators Vanessa Freebairn and Damien Bickley.

Mr Bickley said students undertook professional development training facilitated by board in relation to micro plastics and their effects on the landscape.

“It is great to see the YELP students taking on a leadership role in their school and using their skills and knowledge to share their findings with peers,” he said.

“This excursion provided a great hands-on experience for the students to showcase their learning.”

Mr Bickley said when the students had finished their educational theory they participated in a beach clean-up ensuring macro and micro plastics were removed from the beach to reduce impact on shorebirds and their young.

“The results from the clean-up were astounding with a ute load of rubbish collected,” he said.

“Mulga Street Primary School should be commended on their ongoing commitment to maintain the Nene Valley coastline.

“They have been visiting the area bi-annually for the past decade contributing to protecting this precious coastal habitat.

“By creating a generation of empowered and committed, young environmental leaders we can rest assured our coastal habitats and shorebirds are in good hands.”

For further information on field trip sessions with the education team, contact the Limestone Coast Landscape Board by calling (08) 8735 1204.