Even more North Devon students invited to join the Ocean Explorer Academy

A popular project that enables North Devon students to get out on the coast, take part in important recycling schemes and learn more about the environment has received funding to help it expand.

The Ocean Explorer Academy run by Plastic Free North Devon has been given support by the North Devon Coast National Landscapes Sustainable Development Fund (SDF).

North Devon Coast National Landscapes is the new name for the North Devon AoNB and the funding will mean more school students can access nature, explore the local biosphere and learn how to champion the environment.

It will also mean more students can continue to stay involved as part of the project’s legacy; which includes family sessions, access to volunteering opportunities and clubs and online webinar events.

Since January 2023, the OEA has delivered more than 40 sessions to 124 students, providing more than 290 hours of volunteer service with local conservation organisations.

Students have learned new skills, used saws, drills and magnifying glasses, contributed to citizen science surveys and taken positive climate action.

They have delved into rock pools, investigated organic farming methods, upcycled camping and bodyboard waste from local holiday parks, made wildlife habitat boxes and took to the high seas to snorkel with inquisitive Atlantic grey seals at Lundy Island, the UK’s first Marine Conservation Zone.

Plastic Free North Devon (PFND)’s education co-ordinator, spoke about the growth and development of the Ocean Explorer Academy: “Since starting the Ocean Explorer programme with Ilfracombe Academy in 2021, it has organically developed not only as a positive mental health and wellbeing practice, but also as a brilliant introduction to meaningful citizen science.

“Teaming up with the North Devon Coast National Landscape, particularly on the Finding Nature’s Footprints project, is fantastic. It exposes our students to real-life science and conservation in action. It’s vital for young people to be directly involved in tangible action.

“The programme gives a well-rounded variety of experiences and enables students to continue their citizen science journeys long after completing the OEA programme. I wish OEA had existed when I was at school.”

Laura Carolan, North Devon Coast National Landscape Coastal Officer added “The Ocean Explorer Project is innovative and looks at investing in the future of young people, teaching them about the importance of their local environment for the future.

“Our small grant scheme is all about supporting projects in North Devon that benefit the area in some way so this project fitted well.”

For more information or to learn how you can get involved as an OEA funder, volunteer or get it into your local school, please email info@plasticfreenorthdevon.org.