Our Green Schools Committee continue their quest for a water flag this year. The year started out well for members of the committee who decided to go on a trip on the Barrow to explore the beautiful river. The committee split into two groups, with two teachers and about eight students in each group. They met the guide and boat driver, Cliff, and were kitted out with life jackets. The group got into the boat one by one and tried not to rock the boat too much!

The first group travelled in the direction of Maganey. Cliff pointed out many interesting facts on the journey, for example that this part of the river has never been dredged and that it is rich in history. The river was the site of many ancient battles, in fact many treasures are to be found under the riverbed as it was never excavated. The group were also lucky enough to spot a Kingfisher a majestic bird that shines a beautiful blue and is resident to Irelands’ waterways. The Barrow is a very clean river and many improvements have been made in the past years with many clean ups and much planting. It is home to a wide variety of animals and proves a great source of enjoyment for the residents of Carlow.

Cliff also highlighted the small canal at the former sugar factory and the many apple trees that have been planted along the river edge to increase biodiversity. The lock was also of interest and it was the first time many had gone through a lock. Both groups were fascinated at how quickly the lock filled and emptied. We were also interested to discover that the lock has a lock keeper, but he is responsible for many locks up and down the river and spends a lot of time driving to manage each one.

The second group travelled in a southerly direction, passing behind Carlow IT and the Woodford Dolmen hotel. This group were lucky to see a lot of wildlife, including the kingfisher, a heron and some fish jumping. Cliff also alerted us to the various bird calls and songs that we could hear. We also observed a lot of greenery and Cliff told us that one type of plant in particular was taking over and smothering other species. He also gave each member of the group an opportunity to steer the boat up the river. This was an activity that everyone enjoyed.

Neither group saw much pollution and littering on the river, which was very encouraging. Everyone enjoyed their two-hour boat trip enormously and would recommend it as a relaxing but educational day out.