Six beaches along the East coast of Northern Ireland have received awards for their environmental management.

Newcastle, Murlough Bay, Tyrella Beach, Cranfield West and Minerstown – along with Helen’s Bay received their awards in June, joining 30 beaches in Wales and 58 in the Republic of Ireland who have also received the award.
The Green Coast Awards are supported by Coca-Cola and are part of a wider eco-management and volunteering programme run by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful. The aim of the Award is to recognise beaches for their high environmental quality.
To achieve the award, beaches must have excellent water quality and have effective and appropriate management which ensures the protection of the natural environment.
Green Coast Award beaches generally have strong community involvement.

If you would like to help make a difference in your area whether it be a coastal or an inland waterway then you can get involved by getting in touch with Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful by ringing 02890 736 920 or emailing Nicola.Murray@keepnorthernirelandbeautiful.org. Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful may be able to support your events such as local clean-ups with equipment and other means of assistance and you may even be nominated for a Coast Care Award at the end of the summer!

Pictured is Anna Louise Jelle (DOENI and a judge in the award), Carmel Fyfe (programme manager with Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful who administer the awards) and Simon Boyle (Beach Manager with Newry Mourne and Down District Council)