Pupils and staff at Exwick Heights Primary School, part of our Ted Wragg Trust family, have been celebrating Earth Day this week.

Earth Day is an annual event held on the 22nd of April encouraging people to demonstrate support for environmental protections. The first Earth Day was held back in 1970 and it has grown to include a wide range of events coordinated globally by Earthday.org including 1 billion people in more than 193 countries. The official theme for 2024 is "Planet vs. Plastics" and the organisation is calling for a 60% reduction in the production of all plastics by 2040. 

After completing a successful project last summer at the school, staff were pleased to recently welcome back Arque Ltd employees to help get the nature area ready for its grand reopening. The nature area has long been a key feature of the school and it creates a great connection between pupils, staff, and the environment. 

Richard Boyter, the caretaker of the school, has been the driving force behind this project and under his direction two wooden structures were worked on, rotten wood was replaced, and additional support columns were added.  The damaged roofing felt was also replaced and rainwater goods were added to allow for water harvesting.

Mrs Gemma Wills, Headteacher at Exwick Heights Primary School said:

“At Exwick Heights we believe it’s imperative that children learn about the importance of environmental conservation and looking after the planet. I am delighted that our nature area has reopened in time for Earth Day, which was a brilliant reminder to encourage us all to work together to create a brighter future for young people and the earth.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

“Everyone at the Ted Wragg Trust is so grateful to Arque Ltd for giving their time to support the improvements in the nature area at Exwick Heights. It is such a beautiful space and I know how excited the children there are to use it again.”