Isle of Wight secondary and college students embark on environmental projects as part of Wightlink’s Green Fund for Schools
9th March 2023
Three secondary schools and colleges on the Isle of Wight have been awarded a share of £10,000 from Wightlink’s second Green Fund for Schools initiative.
They are Medina College and the Isle of Wight College, both in Newport, and the Bay School in Sandown.
The first scheme, launched in 2022, supported 15 Island primary schools with cash grants for a host of projects ranging from energy efficiency and recycling schemes to the creation of wildflower meadows and restoring of school ponds.
“We are pleased that young Islanders are keen to set up environmental projects at their schools,” says Wightlink Chief Executive Keith Greenfield. “We are delighted to support their plans to improve biodiversity and make use of sustainable technologies.”
Medina College already offers GCSE Agriculture and has set up a farm garden, accessible organic garden and arboretum in its grounds near the River Medina. Its share of the fund will be used to add bat boxes, bird boxes, bug boxes and hedgehog houses all around the school site. A camera will be added to one of the nest boxes so students can observe nesting and hatching.
The motor vehicle department at the Isle of Wight College will buy an induction heater to replace propane gas torches when components need to be heated up. This is a cleaner and more environmentally friendly option and avoids wastage of gas and materials. As students progress to jobs in garages across the Island, they are likely to encourage employers to adopt the practice.
The Bay School wants to expand its courtyard, garden and ponds to provide new habitats and support students learn more about biodiversity. Pupils are particularly interested in studying a colony of newts and attracting more squirrels and birds to the site. Environment Club members will make their own planters and bat boxes, and wormeries, recycling bins, composters and water butts will also be installed.
Wightlink is at the forefront of sustainability. It operates England’s first hybrid ferry Victoria of Wight and 99 per cent of its waste is recycled or used to produce electricity. The ferry company is committed to buying from local suppliers whenever possible and supports several biodiversity projects, partnering with marine scientists and environmental charities.
Picture caption Wightlink’s Martin Gulliver presents the Green Fund for Schools award to Medina College Executive Headteacher Matthew Parr-Burman and Science & Agriculture teacher Victoria Lloyd with students Ruby Haworth, Apryl Holder, Bradley Janvrin, Dylan Kennedy, Jake Lovett, Mia Shakespeare and Else May Portsmouth
(Parents/carers of all students have given permission for their photographs to be taken)
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