EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

Whether it’s our schools Ocean Explorer (OE) programme, a WI presentation, a scouts’ workshop or a day of conservation action, we’ve got you covered.  We’re all about engaging our community to:

Make a CONNECTION with nature 

Build a COMMUNITY of support

Take ACTION together

Ocean Explorer Academy

The Ocean Explorer Academy (OEA) is a bespoke programme delivered to students from North Devon local schools.   Students connect with nature and each other in an immersive, fun, empowering way, becoming a connected community of planet-saving superheroes with a clear pathway into conservation-based mindsets, priorities and careers over a series of up to 6 sessions.   

Ocean Explorer Academy 2023

We explore sand dunes, estuaries, an organic farm, rockpools, beaches, woodlands and local conservation projects - experiences that many of the children have not accessed before. 

Bramble clearing with the National Trust, to increase biodiversity in the dunes

Students meet a variety of local experts with bucketloads of experience and passion and learn how they got into nature-related work.

We plant trees, remove invasive species, collect and upload citizen science data, plan and manage our own parks and farms, sketch, reflect, meditate, stretch, research, take photos, marvel at critters, get up close to farm animals, upcycle various waste from local tourism partners and have flapjack and hot chocolate breaks too, what’s not to love…

A student shows her tent waste upcycling handsewn creation

Spending time immersed in nature isn’t just good for our physical and mental health and wellbeing, it’s also critical if the next generation is going to take action to protect the planet.  We create ongoing opportunities for students to continue on the pathway to a love of nature and planetary protection. 

Citizen science inspired research at Croyde beach

During the academic year 2022 - 2023, more than 100 students will have taken part in the OEA programme and it’s been pretty popular:    

“This has inspired me so much, I love the trips we do.  I really want to be a

marine biologist, now I know more about what I can do to make that happen.”

Braunton Academy student 

“We want to stay all day and learn more here.”

Pilton Community College student

“We have so many students who want to attend that we have a waiting list and

reserves list.”

Pilton Community College teacher

“I whole-heartedly recommend this programme, the team, specialists and PFND were all so knowledgeable, approachable and inspiring to our young people.”

Braunton Academy teacher

Ocean Explorer Community Outreach

We can tailor make you a unique experience, perfectly suited to your primary school group or community group and incorporate our Virtual Reality (VR) experience where possible. 

By sharing specially-created immersive footage of snorkeling with seals around Lundy Island, a rockpooling adventure, and a seabound voyage down the River Taw, we hope to engage curious minds and inspire more conservation action. The aim is to connect individuals with the complex beauty on our doorstep and inspire them to want to protect it. 

The VR experience can be delivered at events, festivals, or as part of educational workshops or educational trips - just get in touch, we’ll be happy to tailor a programme to best suit your needs. 

Schools

We can offer bespoke talks, presentations, workshops and conservation action days covering Nursery - KS4. Each school is different and our approach meets those needs, including use of our Virtual Reality tools.  We have also developed KS2 AND KS3 schemes of work that aim to: 

  • Improve understanding of the natural ocean environment and its importance by encouraging a life-long love of nature 

  • Introduce them to the main impacts of human activity on the planet 

  • Inspire further self-learning about nature including pursuing educational qualifications and careers in natural sciences, conservation and exploration. With a particular focus on opportunities associated with the protection, enhancement and investment in our region’s natural capital.

  • Introduces them to more sustainable lifestyle choices 

  • Encourages volunteering in citizen science and other conservation and environmental activities in northern Devon and beyond 

  • Creates an opportunity to encourage ‘everyone’ to feel that they can be part of the environmental conversation and act. 

We encourage students to recognise the main environmental issues facing us and how these interlink with their own lives. We challenge students to recognise themselves as citizens rather than consumers and to identify how they can contribute to building a better world for all. 

If you would like our involvement at your  school please get in touch with us at info@plasticfreenorthdevon.org

Do you want to learn more and be a planet-saving superhero?

Maybe you are the next Greta Thunberg or David Attenborough, maybe you’re curious and just want to learn more - here are our top tips for what to read, watch, listen, sign and do…

THIS PROJECT IS SUPPORTED BY: