A CHARITY in Bude is offering free educational beach sessions, full of environmental based games, learning and coastal habitat exploring, with the support of South West Water. 

The 2 Minute Foundation started their 2 Minute Beach School in 2021, with the aim of providing a unique learning experience that empowers people to learn about the marine environment and the important role the ocean plays in climate change.

Beach School sessions are tailored to meet the needs of each audience; whether pre-school, primary or secondary students learning about environmental issues as part of their curriculum, after school youth groups, or holiday clubs and sessions for families.

With the support of South West Water’s Neighbourhood Fund, The 2 Minute Foundation have been able to offer free Beach School sessions to 1,500 pre-school, primary and secondary school children of all backgrounds.

Josie Dean, partnerships manager at The 2 Minute Foundation, said: “The 2 Minute Beach School is about learning and understanding the natural ocean world around us. It is this knowledge that can then be shared with others, taking that impact wider and amplifying our core message: we can all play our part to protect ocean health. 

“Thanks to South West Water’s Neighbourhood Fund, we are able to teach 1,500 children about those simple 2 minute actions that can elicit real, manageable and impactful change.”

One of The 2 Minute Beach School parent/carers said: “My children are more aware of single-use plastic and are conscious of recycling at home now. They even ask to clean the beach when we are out and about – clearing up fishing rope and plastic rubbish to stop it from damaging the environment.”

Dani Twelvetree, South West Water’s head of customer communication and engagement, added: “Charities like The 2 Minute Foundation do fantastic work in their local area of Bude and wider work across the entire country too. We’re delighted to be able to provide support for such a great initiative.”

South West Water’s Neighbourhood Fund works with inspirational local community groups and charities that lead the way for physical activities, education, health and wellbeing, and positive environmental outcomes within the South West region.