Local Charity Engages 1,500 Schoolchildren in Ocean Conservation Effort

Bude’s 2 Minute Foundation Brings Environmental Awareness to the Next Generation

A local charity in Bude is making waves with its efforts to engage young people in ocean conservation. The 2 Minute Foundation, with support from South West Water’s Neighbourhood Fund, has successfully reached 1,500 schoolchildren through its free educational Beach School sessions, which began in 2021.

Unique Learning Experiences on the Beach

The 2 Minute Beach School offers a distinctive educational experience, bringing environmental awareness and coastal habitat exploration directly to students. These sessions are designed to meet the needs of various groups, including pre-school, primary, and secondary students, as well as after-school youth groups and holiday clubs. Even families looking to connect with their local community have benefited from the programme.

Josie Dean, Partnerships Manager at The 2 Minute Foundation, explains the goal of the Beach School: “The 2 Minute Beach School is about learning and understanding the natural ocean world around us. It is this knowledge that can then be shared with others, taking that impact wider and amplifying our core message: we can all play our part to protect ocean health.”

Making a Lasting Impact

The sessions not only educate but also inspire behavioural change, with children becoming more conscious of environmental issues. A parent-carer who attended the Beach School sessions with their children shared: “My children are more aware of single-use plastic and are conscious of recycling at home now. They even ask to clean the beach when we are out and about – clearing up fishing rope and plastic rubbish to stop it from damaging the environment.”

The 2 Minute Foundation’s efforts have been widely praised for their ability to improve awareness, wellbeing, and inspire confidence in young people to make environmentally friendly choices.

Support from South West Water

South West Water’s Neighbourhood Fund has been instrumental in making these sessions accessible to all children, regardless of background. Dani Twelvetree, South West Water’s Head of Customer Communication and Engagement, expressed her support for the programme: “Charities like The 2 Minute Foundation do fantastic work in their local area of Bude and wider work across the entire country too. We’re delighted to be able to provide support for such a great cause.”

The Neighbourhood Fund collaborates with local community groups and charities that focus on education, health and wellbeing, and positive environmental outcomes within the South West region.

For more information about the 2 Minute Foundation and South West Water’s Neighbourhood Fund, interested parties are encouraged to visit their respective websites.