MOST SOUTHERLY JOHN MUIR AWARD SCHEME COMPLETED

Youngsters from St. Michael’s First School in Minehead have recently been awarded their certificates for successfully taking part in the John Muir environmental Award scheme. There are three levels of the Award encouraging a progressive development. All levels are based on meeting the same four challenges of: Discover; Explore; Conserve and Share.

St. Michael’s is the most southerly school to take part in the scheme which is non-competitive, open to all and is an educational initiative of the John Muir Trust. The Award focuses on wild places and was inspired by Scottish-born John Muir who set up the world’s first national park in America.

As well as looking and renewable energy and taking part in discussions on conservation the youngsters decided they would like to help clean up Lynmouth beach by completing a 'litter pick', South West Water were then more than happy to take away the bags full of rubbish.

Commenting on the young people’s success, Exmoor National Park education officer Dave Gurnett said: The youngsters really enjoyed taking part in the John Muir Award and it has definitely given them a better appreciation of what is around them. It would be lovely to think they may be able to go on to the other levels of the Award as they progress through their school careers.”