Southport primary school receives donation from United Utilities

Marshside Primary School has received a welcome boost to their conservation efforts, thanks to a donation from United Utilities’ Community Fund.

The school, based in Southport, borders the RSPB marshland and the Triple SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) coast area and so, is committed to preserving local beauty spots and waterways as much as possible.

Earlier in the year, the school carried out a survey to find out the students’ views, feelings and experiences of the natural environment. Teachers found that many students didn’t understand how their actions impacted the environment, with only half having access to natural spaces outside of school trips.

With the findings concerning teachers, the school refined its curriculum to implement learning within the natural environment as a theme across all school years. 

The updated curriculum ensures that the students are now exposed to more frequent field trips to investigate the local nature spots and waterways, whilst also being encouraged to participate in regular litter pickups for the benefit of healthier waters and ecosystems.

With the school keen to continue their efforts, they unfortunately were struggling to source efficient equipment for their litter picking sessions and so, enlisted the help of the United Utilities’ Community Fund.  

United Utilities was quick to support the school's request after hearing about their growing outdoor curriculum and commitment to conservation. The donation provided them with child-friendly litter picking equipment, which earlier this spring, was delivered to the school by United Utilities’ River Rangers, followed by a group litter picking session.

Sarah Yarwood, Teacher at Marshside Primary School, commented: “As educators, we’re committed to promoting conservation education and well-being through outdoor learning. Our curricular activities aim to improve students’ understanding of ecology, enhance community health and biodiversity, which is why were so passionate about all the children participating in our regular litter picking sessions.

“Having the right equipment is vital in making these outdoor experiences meaningful and inclusive for all our pupils. Thanks to United Utilities, we can now empower our students to take real, positive action in their local environment.”

Mark Booth, Area Engagement lead for Merseyside at United Utilities, commented: “We’re thrilled to support a school that’s creating such a powerful, hands-on learning experience for children. Not only will this donation help protect the Marshside area’s natural beauty, but we hope it will also inspire the next generation to understand, respect, and care for their surroundings and local waterways. At United Utilities we want to work in partnership with communities to protect our water bodies for generations to come.”

The United Utilities’ Community Fund supports community groups whose activities:

• Benefit local watercourses and riverside environments
• Act as catalyst for improved community and environmental wellbeing
• Reconnect communities to riverside environments
• Promote sustainable drainage

Groups can apply to the fund for up to £2,500 worth of support by emailing:  Stakeholderrelations@uuplc.co.uk with details of their request.