Ocean School receives boost to inspire future conservationists

The North West Ocean School has received a boost to their conservation and beach cleaning efforts from United Utilities’ Better Rivers Better North West Community Fund.

The North West’s water company handed over the new equipment to Group Leader Caitlin Parsonage and other volunteers as they completed a litter pick on Allonby beach. 

Caitlin started the group in the hope of inspiring local children to become future scientists and sustainability advocates, keeping our environment beautiful and healthy long into the future. Her sessions involve educating children about basic marine biology concepts alongside regular litter picking sessions.

Now, thanks to a donation from United Utilities’ Better Rivers Better North West Community Fund, the group has received equipment for their field work including quadrats to help frame an area for study, measuring tapes, callipers and geo sleeves.

United Utilities river rangers, Robert Holmes and Martyn Wilson, handed over the new equipment during one of their regular events and supported the team on their two hour litter pick. 

Caitlin Parsonage said: "I’m so grateful to United Utilities for providing us with this fantastic equipment and supporting us to pick litter and plastic bottles from the beach.

“The children have had a great morning. I always leave these events on such a high and it’s fantastic to see young people looking after and caring for the environment where they live.

“Allonby is a Highly Protected Marine Area, the gold standard of marine protection, and is a truly special place for species and habitats. Some sharks and skates lay eggs and we’ve spotted lots of egg cases today, I’m always surprised at the wonderful nature we find here.

“Teaching our younger generations about marine biology and conservation has always been a passion of mine, and what better place to do this than at Allonby beach.”

Andrew Kendall, county business leader,at United Utilities, said: “We were pleased to be able to help Caitlin in her work to inspire the next generation to look after the environment. She’s doing a great job on the coast and we’re happy that this new equipment will make it easier for her group to clean up Allonby beach and boost conservation efforts. The fund is aimed at just these kinds of groups and it’s really rewarding to be able to support communities in their efforts.”