Real Learning, Real Impact: Our Sustainability Champions at Poole Farm
As part of the Turing Valencia Sustainability programme, our learners recently traded the classroom for the great outdoors at Poole Farm, Plymouth. This urban green space is a hub for conservation and education, providing the perfect backdrop for a day of hands-on environmental action and habitat restoration.
The mission was simple but ambitious: learn something new, take action, work as a team, discover, and lead by example.
Preserving Tradition: The Art of Hedge Laying
The day kicked off in the Hayloft, where learners were introduced to the Forest Ranger Badge (awarded in association with the National Trust). The core task? Hedge laying.
This traditional countryside management technique is vital for:
Strengthening natural boundaries and preserving historic land management.
Creating vibrant habitats for birds, insects, and small mammals.
Boosting local biodiversity.
Working collaboratively and with safety at the forefront, our team put their tools to work to improve the local habitat. Importantly, this work was completed ahead of the bird nesting season, ensuring the local wildlife remained protected while their future homes were being improved.
Engineering the Future: Beaver Habitats & Flood Management
After a morning of hard graft, the team explored the farm’s wider landscape, including a guided tour of the beaver habitats. This session highlighted how "nature’s engineers" are essential for:
Natural flood management and wetland creation.
Ecosystem restoration and climate resilience.
Recognition and Reflection
To wrap up the day, every learner was presented with their Forest Ranger Badge. This wasn't just a certificate of attendance; it recognized their hard work, teamwork, and the practical conservation skills they can now proudly add to their CVs.
A final debrief focused on how these experiences link directly to sustainability and employability, proving that environmental action is a powerful way to build a future-ready skillset.
What Our Learners Achieved:
Mastered traditional hedge-laying techniques.
Contributed directly to Plymouth’s habitat improvement.
Built vital teamwork and communication skills.
Discovered how conservation projects mitigate the effects of climate change.
Earned a recognized Forest Ranger Badge.
Check out the amazing work being done over at @PooleFarm! 🌿
"Sustainability is not just a concept—it is something we can actively take part in."