Free nature lessons for Plymouth schoolchildren
The RSPB in partnership with Aldi and Plymouth City Council are asking schools in Plymouth to sign up to their free Schools Outreach Project: The RSPB and Aldi: Giving Nature a Home.
The project aims to reconnect young people with nature through free talks and activities delivered in and around Plymouth schools.
Morwenna Alldis, spokesperson for the RSPB South West said: “Our Schools Outreach Projects in Bristol and Bournemouth have been a huge success, connecting over ten-thousand children to their local nature. We’re thrilled to now be able to extend this project to Plymouth with the support of Plymouth County Council.
“We mustn’t ignore the links between the declines in UK wildlife and RSPB research which shows one in five children are disconnected from nature.
"If we are to stand any chance of raising a future generation of nature guardians, it’s really important we inspire in young people a fascination, understanding and empathy for the natural world. And this starts in their communities and schools.”
This work is being supported by the Aldi supermarket chain who is donating profits from the sale of their carrier bags to this project.
Gemma Dunn, RSPB Schools Outreach Officer for Plymouth, said: “As the new RSPB Schools Outreach officer I am really pleased to be part of this exciting opportunity for Plymouth.
"Plymouth is blessed with some wonderful and interesting wildlife, and you don’t have to go far to find it. School grounds often have a mix of green spaces and ponds which can be home to all sorts of different birds, insects and amphibians.
"The project provides the chance for city children to get outside, connect with nature and have fun outside the classroom.
"If you’re a teacher or know a school who would love to be involved, please email me at: gemma.dunn@rspb.org.uk ”
The 90 minute Schools Outreach sessions include:
- Big Schools’ Birdwatch – using ID guides and binoculars, pupils will identify and record the birds they spot around the school (available during the first half-term after Christmas).
- Giving Nature a Home – designed to help pupils map and score their school grounds for nature - identifying habitats that already exist and spotting opportunities for creating more.
- Bioblitz –help pupils hunt for plants and minibeasts under every rock, bush and doormat.
Councillor Patrick Nicholson, deputy leader of the Council said: “We are thrilled that the RSPB is going to be working so closely with us to help our children and young people learn more about the incredible environment right on their doorsteps and the birds that are such an important part of our eco-system.
“Getting the next generation outside and more engaged with nature cuts across so many things we are trying to achieve here in Plymouth and follows on from the success of the Natural Connections network. We want everyone to enjoy the amazing quality of life Plymouth has to offer.
“This project will not only arm them with knowledge, enthusiasm and ideas – which are so vital to engaging with young people – by getting young people outside more, it will also help prevent mental health issues and childhood obesity.”
Councillor Nicholson added: “Natural environments can transform pupils’ and school performance by increasing teaching and learning standards, allowing innovation and helping to inspire children. Children and young people play outdoors less and less and spend more time in front of the TVs and computer screens. Here in Plymouth, we aim to counter this trend, by making our green space and woodlands attractive for people and wildlife and better used through projects such as Active Neighbourhoods and Natural Connections.”
Giles Hurley, Managing Director of Corporate Buying at Aldi, commented: “We are proud to have been among the first supermarkets to charge for carrier bags. It is an honour to partner with the RSPB.
"They are the UK's biggest nature conservation charity, playing an important role in protecting our wildlife.
"Our partnership will leave a long-lasting legacy; a generation of children who are connected to nature, benefit from it, value our wildlife and care and understand enough about it to make a real difference.”
Gemma and her team are ready to deliver the three free 90-minute outdoor sessions, to book a session please contact: gemma.dunn@rspb.org.uk
For more information, visit: http://www.rspb.org.uk/forprofessionals/teachers/outreach/index.aspx
