PLASTIC FREE NORTH DEVON AND NORTH DEVON COAST NATIONAL LANDSCAPE JOIN FORCES TO EXTEND YOUTH NATURE EXPLORATION
We are really excited to announce that the Ocean Explorer Academy (OEA) has become the latest project to be supported by the North Devon Coast National Landscapes Sustainable Development Fund (SDF). The funding will enable more North Devon school students to access the Ocean Explorer Academy (OEA) programme, exploring the fascinating nature in our bountiful backyard and learning how to champion community active planet protection.
This funding will enable more local students to not only participate in the popular OEA programme, but continue to stay involved as part of the project’s lasting legacy; which includes family-inclusive in-person sessions, access to ongoing volunteering opportunities and clubs and online webinar series. Sessions are delivered in collaboration with local conservation groups, exposing students to a wide variety of local experts, landscapes and community volunteers. Students learn about their pathways into nature conservation and it boosts their own journey into active nature protection.
Since January 2023, the OEA has delivered more than 40 sessions to 124 students, providing more than 290 hours of volunteer service with local conservation organisations. Students have learned new skills, used saws, drills and magnifying glasses, contributed to citizen science surveys and taken positive climate action. They have delved into rockpools, investigated organic farming methods, upcycled camping and bodyboard waste from local holiday parks, made wildlife habitat boxes and took to the high seas to snorkel with inquisitive, native Atlantic Grey Seals at Lundy Island, the UK’s first Marine Conservation Zone.
Libby Bowles, Plastic Free North Devon (PFND)’s Education Coordinator, spoke about the growth and development of the Ocean Explorer Academy: “Since starting the Ocean Explorer programme with Ilfracombe Academy in 2021, it has organically developed not only as a positive mental health and wellbeing practice, but also as a brilliant introduction to meaningful citizen science. Teaming up with the North Devon Coast National Landscape, particularly on the Finding Nature’s Footprints project, is fantastic. It exposes our students to real-life science and conservation in action. It’s vital for young people to be directly involved in tangible action. The programme gives a well-rounded variety of experiences and enables students to continue their citizen science journeys long after completing the OEA programme. I wish OEA had existed when I was at school.”
Laura Carolan, North Devon Coast National Landscape Coastal Officer said “ The Ocean Explorer Project is innovative and looks at investing in the future of young people, teaching them about the importance of their local environment for the future. Our small grant scheme is all about supporting projects in North Devon that benefit the area in some way so this project fitted well. ”
Students, parents and teachers all wax lyrical about the OEA:
“Ocean Explorers is really important - it teaches you how to make a difference, gives you loads of opportunities and helps you get into volunteering in nature.” student
“We really appreciate the support with our outdoor learning curriculum which would be a struggle to continue without your excellent work. We are really looking forward to working with you again this year, and pleased to hear you are ramping up the citizen science side of things- anything we can be a part us to proactively support environmental awareness and action is brilliant.” teacher
“Ocean Explorers has got me doing so much that I never thought I'd do, and it's brought up my confidence so much. I would definitely do it all again.” student
“I'm so delighted to see my daughter grabbing such adventurous opportunities.” parent
Claire Moodie, Plastic Free North Devon CEO, added “I am so blown away to see and hear the difference this program is making to some of our young people's lives. Opening doors to careers, exploring places they have been to, deeply connecting with nature, building confidence and connecting with their peers are all key to helping our young people flourish whilst maintaining and growing their respect and understanding for the very thing their existence depends on; a healthy and functioning planet. We are incredibly thankful for this injection of funding into the programme as we move into its third year and we are still looking for funding to support the growth and delivery of this project long into the future. Please email claire@plasticfreenorthdevon.org if you are interested in supporting this legacy project. ’’
For further information or to learn how you can get involved as an OEA funder, volunteer or get it into your local school, please contact info@plasticfreenorthdevon.org.