Around 400 primary school pupils from across Lincolnshire have spent two action-packed days discovering how small actions can make a big difference for the environment at our Environment Days.
Held at the Lincolnshire Showground, the event welcomed 17 schools from across the county, doubling in size from last year's inaugural event. Through a series of fun, hands-on activities, pupils explored recycling, waste reduction, sustainability, biodiversity and the importance of protecting the environment.
One of the most popular attractions returned this year with the Recycling Olympics, where pupils tested their knowledge and teamwork through a series of recycling-themed challenges. New for this year's event was a demonstration area showcasing waste and recycling vehicles and equipment, alongside interactive exhibits from organisations working across the environmental sector.
Children also had the opportunity to visit a mock Household Waste Recycling Centre, helping them understand what can and cannot be recycled and why recycling correctly is so important.
As part of this year's Environment Days, every participating school was invited to design and create its own school mascot using recycled and recyclable materials. Pupils rose to the challenge with incredible imagination, transforming everyday items such as plastic bottles, cardboard boxes and egg cartons into a fantastic collection of unique mascots. The creativity, effort and environmental thinking on display was outstanding, making the judging incredibly difficult. In recognition of the high standard of every entry, all schools that took part will receive a prize to celebrate their fantastic achievements and commitment to sustainability.
The event formed part of Lincolnshire County Council's successful Let's Talk Rubbish education programme, which has already engaged thousands of pupils across the county through interactive workshops designed to encourage positive environmental behaviours from an early age.
Councillor Danny Brookes, executive member for environment at Lincolnshire County Council, said: "It has been fantastic to see so many young people taking part over the two days and, more importantly, enjoying learning about the environment. The enthusiasm, curiosity and excitement shown by the pupils has been incredible, and it's been wonderful to see them getting involved in every activity and asking so many thoughtful questions.
"Helping children understand why protecting our environment matters is one of the best investments we can make for the future. Whether it's reducing the amount of waste we create, recycling more, reusing items instead of throwing them away, or simply making small everyday choices that have a positive impact, these are habits that can last a lifetime.
"Events like this help bring those messages to life in a fun and engaging way, while also showing the many different organisations and people working together to protect Lincolnshire's environment. I would like to thank every school, teacher, exhibitor and member of staff who helped make this year's Environment Days such a fantastic success, and I hope all of the pupils leave feeling inspired to make a difference at home, at school and in their local communities."
Throughout the two days, pupils met representatives from a wide range of organisations, learning first-hand about recycling, renewable energy, engineering, conservation and environmental careers.
Exhibitors supporting this year's event included Palm Paper, Balfour Beatty, Project Groundwater, BioteCH4, Panda, Luxus Ltd, WSP, National Education Nature Park, Ellgia Ltd, West Lindsey District Council, North Kesteven District Council and Lincolnshire County Council's own mock Household Waste Recycling Centre, alongside council officers and environmental specialists. We also welcomed Thomas Bowles, a local student who is a young eco hero, a very keen environmental change ambassador, who attended as part of his CREST award, sharing all of his learning.
The Recycling Olympics trophy was awarded to North Thoresby and Utterby, with pupils impressing judges through their teamwork, enthusiasm and recycling knowledge.
Over the two days, pupils took part in a number of different activities and demonstrations, asking lots of questions and gaining a greater understanding of how everyone can help protect Lincolnshire's environment.
Councillor Danny Brookes added: "Through our Let's Talk Rubbish education programme, we're helping young people understand that every item recycled, every piece of litter picked up and every bit of waste prevented can make a real difference. Seeing that message resonate with hundreds of pupils over the past two days has been incredibly rewarding."
Lincolnshire County Council would like to thank all of the exhibitors, schools, teachers and volunteers who helped make this year's Environment Days such a success and for inspiring the next generation to care for the environment.