Wildlife experts are impressed by youngsters’ passion for the environment
25th June 2018
An 11 year old New Forest pupil’s enthusiasm for the marine world has inspired environmental experts to give a talk at her school.
Young Summer Rivers-Connelly got in touch with Wightlink after noticing plastic straws on board a Lymington-Yarmouth ferry and encouraged the company to take action. She wrote: “I am really passionate about stopping the use of plastic because of all the damage it causes to our oceans. Can I persuade you to consider removing the straws from your counters and giving people a paper straw if they ask for one?”
Wightlink’s Environmental Officer Nicola Craig and Tim Ferrero from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust got together to present a special assembly to the 140 pupils at South Baddesley Church of England Primary near Lymington. Tim talked to them about the marine wildlife that calls the Solent its home and Nicola outlined how she is working with Wightlink to make the company more environmentally friendly.
Deputy Headteacher at South Baddesley Primary Lyndsey Whettingsteel says: “Our children love being outdoors and share Summer’s interest in the marine world. They enjoyed finding out more about seals, seahorses and cuttlefish as well as the steps Wightlink is taking to reduce single use plastics wherever possible.”
Nicola Craig adds: “I was delighted to see the children care so much about the Solent and New Forest – they asked us lots of good questions. Our ferries sail everyday through some of the most beautiful places in the country and we are determined to do our best to protect them.”
Tim Ferrero says: “We are working with Wightlink on our new Heritage Lottery-funded project Secrets of the Solent and will be introducing ferry passengers to some of our local wildlife over the next couple of years. It was lovely to meet Summer and her friends at South Baddesley Primary.”
For more information, please contact Karen Woods on 07775 694266 or [email protected]