After a visit to Greenmount College Nature Trail in 1987 the pupils of Saint Pius X Magherafelt decided they wanted a school pond. With the help of the Conservation Volunteers (CV), a plan was drawn up of a Woodland and Wildlife Garden Area containing different habitats which would be located in a corner of the school grounds.. Money was raised through school draws, a table quiz, Bank of Ireland sponsorship and a DOE Countryside and Wildlife Grant.
Under the initial guidance of teachers, Mr Sean McAuley, Miss Pat Hanson and Mrs Eileen McStocker, work was carried out after school and on some Saturday mornings. The Conservation Group was formed and was made up of boys and girls from Years 8 to 10.
During 1987 a hedge was planted around the Wildlife Garden area and trees obtained from the CV were planted in a large Woodland Area (50m x 50m). The trees were all native made up of 150 oak, 50 alder, 50 silver birch, 50 ash, 50 wild cherry and a few holly, elm, field maple and guelder rose. Most of 1988 was taken up with the construction of a pond/marsh area. This was all constructed by the pupils using spades and shovels. A butyl rubber lining was placed inside and covered with a layer of soil. After waiting for rain to fill it up the Fire Brigade obliged using the exercise as a fire drill.
In 1988 we entered and won the Coca Cola Young Conservationists of the Year Competition for the potential of our project. Dr Brian Mawhinney presented the award commenting ". . the most enthusiastic group on the day". After 1988 work continued until 1993 on the completion of the wildlife garden area with the following habitats: butterfly garden, pond, marsh, wild area, fruit garden, willow coppice, meadow, herb garden, tree nursery and log pile.
During this time we were also involved in a number of competitions which we won. In 1994 invitations were sent to all our local primary schools to bring pupils to visit our area and sample the wildlife there. A nature trail was made by the pupils with fifteen stops. The booklet is called 'The Pius Trail'. Over 600 pupils visit each year especially in May/June led by the conservation group.
We have an open day in June when all our pupils and teachers get an opportunity to go around The Pius Trail filling in questionnaires and competing for prizes sponsored by the Bank of Ireland.
