Lynn Reddy, Geography Lead at Greengate Juniors tells us about the fantastic work her pupils are doing in and around Earnse Bay.

For the past three years children from Greengate Junior School, Barrow have been visiting the beach at Earnse Bay with a simple aim - to get them involved in their local beach environment. The children have visited throughout the year and these regular outings have had such an impact. The children have been able to become familiar with a local setting, they have seen it change over the seasons, their knowledge of marine life has blossomed, they care about ‘their’ beach and after school visits they have returned with their families. The children at Greengate School are proud to take care of their local beach and they’ve had loads of fun doing it.

We have regularly taken part in a Beach Clean (litter pick) at Earnse Bay. This simple activity benefitted our children in so many ways:

· Fresh air and exercise.

· Teamwork – with each other and the volunteers from Natural England.

· Developing marine knowledge – timing our litter pick around nesting birds.

· Appreciation of the natural environment.

· Respect for their local beach.

· Taking responsibility and giving to the local community.

· Action – after the beach clean we wrote to the council to request more recycling facilities for school. The children want to ensure their plastic doesn’t end up on the beach or in the ocean.

· Pride - the desire to return with their families.

Pupils have walked the coastline paths, litter picked, collected natural treasures, produced art work and attended locally run events at Earnse Bay – they have a vested interest in this area which we feel will last a life time. Many children have become more engaged in environmental issues and taken action to support events in the local area.

Greengate children have been consulted on what should be constructed at Earnse Bay and what they’ve learnt from their visits is very clear. Whatever project is taken forward must give children and families access to their beaches and be sustainable for the next generation.