The group also visited Schumacher College and the UK’s first 'transition town' of Totnes, which is aiming to move from fossil-fuel dependency to self-reliance.

The final day was spent at the iconic Eden project in Cornwall, where the advocates filmed their visions for how they would like the world to be in 2020 against the backdrop of the rainforest and Mediterranean biomes. They were also joined by four Challenge Europe advocates, who had travelled overland from Denmark and gave insight into their local projects.

Challenge Europe advocate Alicia Falvey said: ‘The ongoing media and training throughout the journey was an important part of the trip for me. It helped us realise our limitations and take steps to communicate our message better. We are experts in our fields and know the messages but now are in a better position to communicate these messages.'

Leading up to the 823 mile journey, the participants from a variety of backgrounds began to develop projects to reduce carbon consumption and the corresponding impact on climate change. These projects include the development of a corporate carbon club community, promotion of community gardens and the formation of innovative food and transport policy initiatives.

The advocates have now returned home and are keen to form a think-tank leading to concrete action. They plan to meet twice a year, once in Northern Ireland and once in Ireland, and focus on three to four agreed ideas to present as a paper to local politicians.