Twelve schools from across Merseyside set sail for an educational eco cruise yesterday (27 June 2011) focusing on the environmental aspects of the River Mersey’s coastline.
Merseytravel, in partnership with the EU Climatlantic project, welcomed nearly 250 pupils on board the Royal Daffodil Mersey Ferry to take in all of the wildlife and views that the coastline has to offer.
The cruise began with the first school pick up at Seacombe and continued over to the Liverpool’s Pier Head to embark on many more coastal beauty spots including ‘Another Place’ – the Iron Men by Anthony Gormley at Crosby Beach as well as breezing by the Burbo Bank Wind Farm sited along Liverpool Bay.
Neil Scales, Chief Executive and Director General at Merseytravel commented; “Today has been such a fun filled day for all involved. First hand experiences like these can help children and students to gain a better understanding of the effects that the environment can have, not only on us, but the landscape around us and all who inhabit it. To make sure these trips provide a valuable addition to the curriculum, input from teachers is essential. This is a rare opportunity to create a unique and valuable educational resource for local communities and the wider region and we hope this is the first trip of many.”
Whilst enjoying the sunshine soaked Mersey coastline, the pupils took part in a variety of activities on board including bird watching with members from the RSPB and maritime projects from National Museums and Galleries, learning about Plankton and other marine life.
Climatlantic is part of a European wide project in association with other countries located along the Atlantic coastline. Working in partnership with these countries, the scheme allows an opportunity for learning and development on ways to reduce collective carbon footprints around Europe.
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