Basingstoke ObserverSaving water to protect our precious environment will be the central message of free education sessions for primary schools across Hampshire.
Schools are being invited to sign up now for the outdoor education sessions in a new programme called ‘Our River, Our Water’. The education programme is a partnership between Southern Water, the South East Rivers Trust (SERT) and Wessex Rivers Trust (WRT) – two charities which work to ensure all life can thrive in and around rivers.
Wessex Rivers Trust will deliver hands-on sessions on the River Dun, a tributary of the River Test. Regarded as one of the finest chalk streams in the world and supporting a host of rich habitats and species, the Test winds its way through rural Hampshire before flowing in the Solent.
The national curriculum linked sessions will highlight that the south east of England is water-stressed. The area has less rainfall each year, yet demand for water is increasing, as the population grows and the climate continues to change.
Pupils will learn that the water we use in our daily lives is taken from the local environment, which leaves less water for our vital river habitats. Through the sessions, children will learn to appreciate the value of our rivers, how to save water and engage with our river wildlife in a fun and hands-on way.
Dave Rumble, Wessex Rivers Trust CEO, said: “Rivers and their wildlife have become deeply appreciated by so many new people over the last couple of years, yet our rivers remain vulnerable. We look forward to working with our partners to inspire schoolchildren and equip them to be ambassadors for positive change.”
Justine Lewis, Water Efficiency Officer at Southern Water, said: “Southern Water is excited about launching this new and exciting school education programme with the Rivers Trust within Hampshire. We are supporting the Our River, Our Water campaign and asking children to think about and look after where their water comes from.”
To book or enquire about sessions taking place at the River Dun from September onwards, contact Tracy Standish at Wessex Rivers Trust at [email protected].
