Pupils gain awards for environmental work

Four pupils from Shropshire’s Tuition, Medical & Behaviour Support Service have been presented with an award for outstanding environmental work. The youngsters, who attend the Hook-a-Gate Education Centre near Shrewsbury, have received the John Muir Award certificate at Discovery Level.

To gain the award, Hook-a-Gate pupils took part in a joint project involving science, art and outdoor education projects. Pupils produced artwork inspired by wildlife after surveying an uncultivated field next to the centre. They completed an environmental assessment of the field, and produced a detailed catalogue of biodiversity, which they used as the basis for the artwork. The project concluded with the placement of shelters to encourage a wider range of insect life, and the pupils will continue to be involved with ongoing conservation of the site.

Jamie Skeldon, Head of the Tuition, Medical & Behaviour Support Service, said: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank the landowner, tenants and villagers of Hook-a-Gate for their support in this project. If members of the local community would like the opportunity to view the pupils work, please contact the centre on (01743) 860630 to arrange a visit.”

Ann Hartley, Shropshire County Council’s Cabinet member for children’s services, added: “It is wonderful to see pupils making progress like this and I congratulate them all on their awards.”

The award is an education initiative set up by the John Muir Trust in 1997. The aim of the award is to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to discover, enjoy and care for the planet’s wild places. The John Muir Trust itself is one of Scotland’s leading conservation charities. The Trust works with interested groups throughout the UK and USA.

21 December 2007