Since 2017, The Gathering has developed into a major force for collective action, representing almost 80 groups and campaigns from across the island of Ireland.

With its roots in the North West, this will be the first Gathering in County Down, at Rostrevor, in partnership with RARE (Rostrevor Action Respecting the Environment), Zero Waste North West (ZWNW), Environmental Justice Network Ireland (EJNI), Compassionate Campaigning and Friends of the Earth NI.

Our focus will be ‘The Rights of Nature’, the movement that is sweeping the island and the globe. Communities have made declarations, Councils have declared motions, but we’re still writing the story as we go, and it’s a collective effort. So this is the perfect chance to gather, to envision, to strategise, and of course to celebrate the journey so far.

Programme:

12.30-1.15 – Registration and tea/coffee (Lunch can be brought or bought in An Cuan café)

1.15-1.30 – Introduction and welcome from The Gathering and RARE

1.30-3pm – Session 1 – Rights of Nature, Property and Ownership (EJNI)

A special screening of EJNI’s documentary film ‘Rights of Nature’ film featuring John Spillane (trailer version available to watch below), followed by panel discussion with Eamonn McCann (Journalist and Political Activist), Bróna McNeill (PhD researcher at QUB) and Sinéad Mercier (Planning & environmental law lecturer).

3-3.30 – Break(Tea and coffee provided)

3.30-5pm – Session 2 – Gathering conversations (The Gathering)

Sub-group updates, group discussions, presentation of new Rights of Nature resources

5pm – 7pm Light dinner and optional short forest walk (Vegetarian hot dish provided)

7pm – 9pm – TOUCH WOOD!

A weaving of song, music, dance, poetry and images to tell the stories that must be told! Curated by Colum Sands.

*This is an event for all ages, please let us know if children will be attending and we will facilitate activities.