Since launching the Environment Leadership Programme with our Trailblazer centres in January, we’re already getting a sense of the diversity of their interests around protecting the natural world. From considering ways to stop the decline of biodiversity, to pushing policies about climate change, the students have really brought their curiosity and passion for nature to the programme.
The programme, developed in partnership with WWF and the RSPB, supports learners to plan, develop and lead their own project aimed at creating a sustainable world around them. As part of this, the qualification helps them to develop essential skills for the future, including teamwork, communication and problem solving.
With the learners working on their plans and looking at how best to make an impact, we spoke to their tutors to get a feel for the kinds of projects they’ll be taking on. As ever, our centres and their learners have delivered – in spades! (*groan*) Here’s some of the projects being planned that caught our eye: –
1 – Seedbombing for biodiversity
The loss of Biodiversity in our rural areas has been well documented over the last 5 years. One student has chosen this area as the focus of their project, with a particular focus on surveying the different species of butterflies and bees in their local area. They then plan to take action by creating bee and butterfly friendly spaces to attract varieties that are declining in numbers. It’s amazing the power of a seed bomb.
2 – Guarding green spaces
Following on in a similar theme, one student has identified the lack of green spaces available in urban areas. They plan to take action by planting trees and flowers in urban spaces with reduced green space and support the regular maintenance of these spaces by organising regular litter picks, becoming a guardian of green spaces.
3 – Reviewing the rubbish
Littering has been identified as an issue on one college campus and will be addressed by one concerned student as they plan to undertake a litter survey around college campus over a period 1 week. Once the results have been reviewed, they plan to incentivise their college community to reduce the amount of litter and improve recycling opportunities.
4 – Recycle and re-use
We know a simple way to support our planet is to recycle our used and unwanted items. This is particularly important when it comes to our clothes. We love the idea created by one student at a Trailblazer centre to coordinate and lead a monthly swap shop, where students can bring in their unwanted items, to be exchanged for another item. Any clothing items at the end of each month will be bagged up and taken to Cash for Clothes.
5 – We don’t want waste
How many of us are left despairing about the amount of food our local supermarkets discard at the end of the day? One student wants to tackle this subject by speaking to local supermarkets to collect food that would be going to waste or thrown away and create simple meals to give to people in need. That’s true community spirit right there.
6 – Saving the sea from plastic
A very popular concern identified by students participating in the Environment Leaders programme is the ever-growing amount of plastic that is washing up on our beaches and polluting our rivers and seas. One student’s mission is to rally their community together to participate in monthly beach and river cleans in their hometown.
These are just a few of the ideas and projects emerging from the learners at our Environment Leadership Trailblazer centres. What projects, activities or events could young people in your area get involved with or get going to impact their community? Let us know by tagging us on X @LshipSkillsFdn.
Environment Leadership early adopter prices for 2024/25 academic year are coming soon. Join our waitlist to hear about this opportunity first.