American Students help clean up Strangford Lough

7th December 2023

Innovative adventure company, Strangford Lough Activity Centre (SLAC) create quirky and unique adventure activity experiences in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

One of their experiences, Paddle with a Purpose has received over 100 international visitors travelling in groups from the US as part of a two week visit to Ireland.

The students from Georgetown University La Crosse team and Swarthmore University Field Hockey team kayaked out onto Strangford Lough with litter pickers and PPE to help clear the islands of marine plastics and learn about the ethics of leave no trace. Items collected included rope, bottles, balls and fishing equipment to name but a few.

The students who were visiting as part of a two week tour of Ireland, were amazed by the beauty and wildlife on Strangford Lough.

As Rory Martin - SLAC Managing Director told us, "We were delighted to welcome these uni students from the US. All too often, groups visit the honeypot sights on the North Coast and our wee county gets overlooked. Fair play to them. It’s great to see international visitors interested in regenerative tourism. Helping to offset their travel and leave a legacy in the places they visit.

"We hope to attract more international groups by working in partnership with tour companies to develop our sustainable tourism product."

Strangford Lough Activity Centre is a #ANDSustainableGiant, committed to sustainable tourism practices, learn more about the AND Sustainable Giants -  A Green Tourism Network