Pupils from St Mary’s Primary school in Bridgwater turned into Wildlife Detectives at Carymoor Environmental Centre after winning the visit as a prize in the 2024 Somerset Children’s Parliament event.
A group of year 5 and 6 pupils won the first prize by presenting their case for reducing litter in and around their school premises. The competition helps pupils sharpen their public speaking skills and competitor groups were asked to deliver a five minute presentation on the theme “Making a Difference to Our Community”. Ten other schools made the final and spoke about issues they care about such as boosting kindness and improving community links. The judging panel included councillors, charity workers, Somerset Youth Parliament representatives and Fran Button, Deputy CEO of British Solar Renewables.
British Solar Renewables, a solar energy company based in Shepton Mallet, kindly sponsored visits for the first prize winners to experience a day out on our nature reserve after forging links with our charity two years ago. BSR is committed to their Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) policy, whether that’s through their nature protection pledge or engaging local school pupils in renewables, they are advocates for encouraging environmental stewardship for future generations and we are grateful for their support.
During the visit to Carymoor, 61 children took part in a range of hands-on activities to learn about local wildlife, including a nature walk, looking at tracks and trails and guessing the predator in our CSI: Carymoor activity!
The feedback from the school about the day was fantastic and showed how much the children got out of the day.
The staff were incredible with the children. All needs were noticed and met with ease. The children loved the whole day and it was down to the great location but most importantly, the staff running the sessions. Some of the children said that it was the best day of their lives! The outdoor nature of the day provided our children with the opportunity to learn about nature rather than sitting with their mobile phones all day at home.
Rupert Farthing, Carymoor CEO said
We are very grateful to British Solar Renewables for supporting the visits for the two winning schools and giving these children the opportunity to have a great outdoor learning experience with us.
