Wild Kids

In late September the G Marsh tv team visited Ballina to film three kids as they explored the beautiful Belleek Woods. The insightful series gives parents and kids lots of ideas on how to explore the abundance of nature that surrounds us.

On their adventure Alex, Annie & Brandon discussed the native Irish trees and the wildlife that inhabit them…Searching for the red squirrels was a highlight of the day and it was so evident the love of nature that these children possess…A breath of fresh air in today’s world. All are students of Fiona Bourke School of Speech & Drama Ballina.

Alex Bourke-Ginty (6) is son of Fiona Bourke & Oisin Ginty, Enniscrone Road. Alex has a huge passion for nature and animals and really enjoys exploring in the outdoors. The filming in Belleek woods was extra special for Alex as his grandad Sean Bourke, grew up in Belleek spending his childhood years on daily adventures through the woods. An original “Wild Kid of Belleek”, Sean has shared many stories with Alex about the woods as he knew it . He recalls all the large native trees and green fields that once was Belleek woods. In those days it was home to thousands of pheasants and birdlife. Becketts owned the estate at that time.

Annie Fleming (6) is daughter of Martha & Peter Fleming, Ballina. Annie is a polite, gregarious confident and inquisitive child who enjoys lots of outdoor activities.

Brandon Newmann (6) son of Patricia and Martie Newmann, Kilfian, Ballycastle, is a boy with huge personality and a great sense of humour. He loves communicating with young and old and hence is widely known in his local community. He loves being outdoors, helping on the farm and loves to care for animals and all wildlife in general.

Special thanks to the GMarsh team, Gillian Marsh, Paula Rouse, John Lusby, Ciara Dolan, Andy Smyth, Hannah Jane Churchmann for affording the opportunity to showcase Belleek and to Cyril Collins for his work on introducing the native Irish red squirrel to Belleek.

The episode on Belleek Woods will be shown on RTE jr regularly-Watch out for Episode 13!