Trafford Ecology Park will soon be able to cater for school group visits thanks to support from local business Cargill, whose Cargill Cares programme has funded the construction of an environmentally sustainable classroom.
The new facility at Trafford Ecology Park is a key element of Groundwork’s vision to establish the Ecology Park as an exemplar environmental education centre, delivering and demonstrating learning in creative and accessible ways.
The classroom will provide a venue for educational activities targeted at improving participants’ understanding of the environment and how they can live more sustainable lives.
In addition to funding the construction of the building, Cargill has also funded a Forest School programme for approximately 10 young people from the Pupil Referral Unit at the Canterbury Centre for a full year, starting in September.
Additional activities that the classroom will be used for includes:
- School visits directly linked to the National Curriculum – a range of experiences to learn about natural habitats, food provenance and environmental conservation and enhancement.
- Accredited learning aimed at young people and adults – sustainable horticulture focus.
- Community learning – a base for sustainable living courses and activities aimed at adults and families, including ‘Grow Your Own’, conservation, volunteering and energy awareness.
- Employee volunteering and health and well-being activities linked to health in the workplace initiative and training to support businesses to reduce their environmental impact.
Cargill has contributed and committed significant funding and volunteer support to initiatives in partnership with Groundwork and Trafford Ecology Park over the past few years.
Paul Kingston, General Manager at Cargill’s Starches and Sweeteners division added:
“Working with Groundwork to help restore and maintain the Ecology Park has given us the opportunity to work with such a worthwhile charity help enable our local community to experience the pleasure of natural habitats. Cargill, Groundwork and the Trafford Ecology Park share a commitment to enriching our community while protecting our planet and we are proud to be a part of helping this facility come to life.”
