Community invited to take action at ‘The Coast Starts At My Feet’ online event

The Mill River Conservation Group is inviting the community to take part in an inspiring and practical online environmental workshop titled “The Coast Starts At My Feet”, taking place on Saturday, February 28th, from 10am to 12pm.

The event will focus on the powerful connection between local everyday actions and the health of our rivers, coastline, and communities. 

Organisers say the message is simple: what happens inland does not stay inland. Litter dropped on streets, plastics entering drains, and waste blocking waterways all eventually impact rivers and the sea, while also increasing flood risks in our own neighbourhoods.

The session will feature guest speaker Martina Healy, widely known as the “Leitrim Litter Picker.” Martina is recognised nationally and internationally for her grassroots work tackling litter, plastic pollution, and environmental behaviour change. 

As An Taisce Climate Ambassador, she has inspired communities across Ireland through education, awareness campaigns, and hands-on clean-up initiatives.

Her work includes supporting community clean-ups through initiatives such as National Spring Clean and Clean Coasts, raising awareness around river and marine pollution, promoting plastic reduction, and encouraging positive environmental behaviour through social media engagement.

Martina’s core message is that “The coast starts at my feet,” highlighting how individual responsibility and small local actions can lead to significant environmental change. Her talks are known for being practical, relatable, and action-focused, connecting everyday choices with real-world environmental impact.

READ NEXT: Active Inishowen Campaign showcases peninsula as walker’s paradise

A special focus of the workshop will be drainage protection and flood prevention. Participants will learn how plastics and litter blocking roadside drains and pipes can significantly increase flood risk during periods of heavy rainfall and how simple community action can improve water flow, safety, and climate resilience.

Seeds of Change supports the workshop at Changemakers Donegal. Those interested in attending can find booking details on Eventbrite by searching “The Coast Starts At My Feet.” Further information is available at www.themillriverconservationgroup.com or by emailing themillriverconservationgroup@gmail.com

.