AN INSPIRING student environmental project that transformed neglected woodland on the South Eastern Regional College grounds into an outdoor classroom has won a £3,000 windfall.
The SERC Woodland Project won the award for promoting environmental sustainability at the 2015 Idox Innovation Awards.
Now in their 30th year, the Idox Awards recognise, reward and raise the profile of projects that show a creative and forward-thinking approach to improving the life of communities in one or more UK locations.
Students from the School of Applied Science and Sport led the regeneration project and, with help from the School of Construction, overhauled the disused area of three acres — with wild f lowers and a new pond to attract insects, birds and small wild animals.
Tasks included partial clearance of damaged trees, installation of a hide, infra-red cameras, bird boxes, feeders and insect hotels, and coordinating volunteer students and staff to collect litter, build paths and plant a native wildf lower garden.
SERC Project Officer Sharon Browne explained: “With support from their Animal Management and Horticulture lecturers, our students have transformed a neglected area into a natural haven for wildlife with community space where people can relax, learn and be inspired.
The project has promoted environmental sustainability through environmental education and awareness, and the development of employability and life skills for those involved.
“The project set out to support the students’ learning through practical activity. However, as it progressed the enthusiasm of the students developed the project into a wider, community-based initiative.”
In the words of the awards panel: “The SERC Woodland Project represented a different style of project that incorporated an educational slant with a practical grounding. The impact on surrounding schools was also very commendable.
“The project demonstrated great potential in a difficult category and despite being challenging, has clear longevity