World Earth Day took place on Wednesday, 22 April 2026. Held every year, Earth Day is a global reminder that we all have a part to play in looking after our planet. It encourages people to care for nature, protect local green spaces and take simple actions, such as picking up litter, planting flowers, reducing waste and helping wildlife.
This year, Scouts marked World Earth Day through practical local action. Two recent examples, from Castleknock and Sallins, show how young people can care for the places around them. These activities do not need to be limited to Earth Day. They can be carried out at any time of the year as part of regular Scouting, badge work, community service or local environmental action.
Sallins Beavers Plant Wildflower Seeds
In 23rd Kildare Sallins, Beaver Scouts plantednative Irish wildflower seeds in a vacant green area between the Scout den and the nearby canal.
The Beavers prepared the ground by carefully removing small sodsof grass so the seeds could reach the bare earth underneath. They then scattered the seeds by hand and gently covered them with compost to help themgrow.
As the wildflowers grow, they will provide food for bees,butterflies and other pollinators. They will also bring more colour and biodiversity to the area around the den, helping the Beavers see how simpleactions can support wildlife close to home.
Photos and a short description of the project will be added to thenew flora and fauna notice boards in the den, helping other young people learn about the plants, insects and wildlife that share the space.
Castleknock Scouts Clean Up Laurel Lodge Green
Scouts from Castleknock 175th Scout Group carried out a litter pick in Laurel Lodge Green, Castleknock, Dublin.
Around 20 Scouts took part, collecting over three full bags of discarded rubbish from their local park. Among the items found were full, unopened takeaway boxes of food, sweet wrappers and fizzy drink cans.
The activity helped the Scouts become more aware of how litter affects shared green spaces, and why it is important to dispose of waste properly. It was also a positive way for the group to give back to their local community and recognise the value of parks and outdoor spaces.
It would be brilliant to see this initiative inspire other Scout Groups to take similar action in their own communities, and for Castleknock175th to make their litter pick a regular activity.
Better World
Both activities show how Scouts can take meaningful environmental action in their own communities. Whether removing litter from a local park or planting wildflowers for pollinators, these projects help young people connect with nature, care for their local area and understand their role in creating abetter world.
They also link strongly with Scouting’s wider commitment to sustainability, outdoor learning and community action. Activities like these can support work towards Environment and Community Special Interest Badges, while encouraging Scouts to think about the long-term impact of their actions.
A huge well done to Castleknock 175th Scouts, Sallins 23rd Kildare Beavers, and everyone involved in making these Earth Day activities happen.
If your Scout Group has carried out a sustainability, biodiversity, community or environmental activity that you would like to share, please send details and photos to sustainable@scouts.ie.
