Blackpool pupils from Montgomery Academy and Highfield Leadership Academy win top marine conservation award
“I’m going to use my knowledge because I want to benefit the Earth.”
Young volunteers from two Blackpool schools have been recognised with a national award for their work to protect the marine environment.
Pupils from Montgomery Academy and Highfield Leadership Academy have been presented with the Marsh Young Volunteer Award for Marine Conservation for their involvement in the Blue Influencers programme.
The award recognises the outstanding contributions of people committed to social, cultural and environmental causes. The pupils received the award from Craig Bennett, chief executive of The Wildlife Trusts.
Through the scheme, the volunteers raised awareness of marine conservation in their schools and communities, inspired others and developed into confident ambassadors for the cause. The Blue Influencers programme is an England-wide initiative supporting young people living in coastal, estuary and river communities to improve their local landscapes and communities.
Chelsea, a pupil at Montgomery Academy said: “I’m going to use my knowledge because I want to benefit the Earth. I want to keep trying to change the world and make people better.”
Sam, a pupil at Highfield Leadership Academy said: “I think the skills that we’ve developed over the past few sessions could help me in a future career. I also love learning about fish and underwater habitats.
“I think I’ll use the coastline more when I go fishing and things like that, and it will be very helpful to use this knowledge. I now know how to protect my coastline a bit better, and I know about more organisations that can help me do that."
“The Blue Influencers from Highfield Leadership Academy wanted to highlight the problem of single use plastic bottle pollution, as well as improving the facilities at school for water bottle refills.
“They have achieved this by creating a mosaic of plastic bottle lids, with a new water refill station in their school canteen area. Every time a water bottle is refilled the students get reminded that this is helping to "Save our seas".
All the latest news and top stories from across Blackpool and the Fylde coast directly to your phone.
Never miss a thing. Click here to join
Over the course of a year, pupils developed their understanding of coastal habitats including beaches, sand dunes and saltmarsh, as well as issues including plastic pollution, climate change and unsustainability.
Their practical work included beach cleans, nurdle surveys, egg case hunts and citizen science recording, helping them develop conservation skills and stronger connections with their local coastline.
The programme is delivered by Lancashire Wildlife Trust through Engagement Officers from The Bay: A Blueprint for Recovery Project and the Fylde Sand Dunes Project, a partnership with Fylde Council and Blackpool Council funded by the Environment Agency until 2027.
Amy Pennington, Blue Mentor and Fylde Sand Dunes Project Senior Engagement Officer at The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside, said: “One of the greatest privileges of our job is watching young people discover just how much they can achieve.
“We're incredibly proud of every young person who has taken part in the Blue Influencers programme. Seeing them grow in confidence, develop a genuine connection with their local coastline and become passionate advocates for marine conservation has been incredibly rewarding.”