Kells man John flies high with RSPB

Kells student John Hughes gives a helping hand at Portmore Lough nature reserve outside Aghalee during his placement with RSPB NI.

An aspiring primary school teacher from Kells recently spread his wings to join RSPB Northern Ireland’s education team on their mission to connect children to nature.

John Hughes (35), a final year trainee teacher at Stranmillis University College, chose the charity for his two week placement as it allowed him to combine his love of the great outdoors with his passion for teaching.

Speaking about his experience with RSPB NI, John said: “I was able to use some of the teaching skills I’ve learnt at Stranmillis and it was also a very rewarding experience personally. I had the opportunity to see red kites soaring, to witness the largest starling murmuration I have ever seen and I got my hands dirty at Portmore Lough reserve, clearing scrub to allow birds like lapwing to nest there.”