Pupils from schools in Liverpool were given the chance to pitch their ideal river environment this month in a project to encourage engagement with their local waterways.
In a special event at Anfield Stadium on 14th July, primary school pupils from across Merseyside showcased the models that they had created of healthy and community friendly rivers. The highlight of the event was the pupils’ pitches of their ideal river environments, which included spaces to play, and to enjoy nature. The judging panel included environment and community leaders, and all classes were presented with a River Champions trophy and certificate. The winning school, made up of two class groups from Woodlands Primary school was presented with a ‘champion of champions’ trophy.
The project, called “Design My Perfect River” encouraged the children to create models of healthy, accessible, and community friendly rivers. By combining creativity with practical solutions to help protect rivers, they have considered real issues such as climate change, flood resilience, and biodiversity in a thought-provoking way. We hope that in taking part, the children will be inspired to become the next generation of river guardians.
The pupils were also treated to a visit from former Liverpool FC player and LFC Foundation Ambassador, Chris Kirkland, who stopped by to talk to the pupils and look at the models.
Oliver Southgate, River Restoration Project Manager at the Environment Agency, said:
"At the Environment Agency, we are passionate about projects like this that inspire the next generation of river guardians. Delivering the River Design Project with local children and communities has been a real privilege. I have been amazed by how much they already understand about the pressure that climate change places on our natural resources, and how deeply they value their local environment. Their creativity, enthusiasm and understanding of the challenges facing our rivers give us real confidence for the future."
Andy Martin of Mersey Rivers Trust said:
"It has been a pleasure to collaborate with our partners and Liverpool schools on such a heart-warming project. Hearing the children’s ideas and suggestions on how we can better protect and improve our rivers for both people and wildlife has been truly inspiring. The next generation has shown incredible passion for their local environment, and many of their ideas will help inform the way we think about restoring rivers across the Mersey catchment in the years ahead."
Steven Kenyon, County Business Lead for Merseyside at United Utilities said:
“We’ve been inspired by the creativity and passion of Liverpool’s young people throughout this programme, and they should all be incredibly proud of their achievement. We will continue working with our partners at the Environment Agency and Mersey Rivers Trust to find new and innovative ways to protect and enhance the health of the North West’s rivers.”
The project was led by Mersey Rivers Trust and the Environment Agency, in partnership with Liverpool F.C. Foundation. We are also grateful for support from local businesses including United Utilities, APEM Group, Dynamic Rivers, Jacobs, and Tom Lindsay.
Share Article