The project - Rockingham environ-mentors - is now in its second year and helps bring conservation ideas to life. It is funded by Rockingham Rural Revival, one of three LEADER+ groups in the East Midlands.
LEADER + is a European Community initiative, managed by the Government Office East Midlands European Funding Team on behalf of Defra, that funds innovative rural community projects that both involve and benefit local communities.
New ideas for environmental projects will give local pupils and young people's organisations a chance to carry out the environmental improvements - from planting a hedgerow to creating a pond - in a fun, enjoyable way, while sowing the seeds for better learning about their local environment.
As well asking local people to get their green thinking caps on, residents are also being encouraged to volunteer as a 'environ-mentor' to support the projects. The volunteers receive training from BTCV, the UK's leading conservation charity.
Rebecca Bishop, Environ-mentors project officer, said:
"We're now in the second year of the scheme and we're determined to build on last year's success. It has helped benefit the community in so many ways, particularly the Rowlett school project in Corby which last year transformed a school land wilderness.
"Weeds of up to 30 feet were cleared, to create a pleasant area with pathways and a pond for children to enjoy at breaktimes. This was certainly a team effort involving teachers, parents, children and also members of the wider community."
Nine year old Rowlett pupil Billy Bodenham, of Corby, said:
"There were loads of stinging nettles and everywhere was overgrown. We helped to dig up the soil and it was great fun"
Rebecca continues:
"For this year we have got a few projects in the pipeline including the “Free Tree Scheme”, which due to its popularity last year will be repeated this November. Irchester tree nursery will provide trees to plant in public green spaces around the community - and help teach children in particular what's involved when planting a tree.
"We will consider any ideas which will have joint benefits for the local community and the environment as we have a modest budget to help turn these suggestions into reality."
Diane O'Boyle, Programme Manager for Rockingham Rural Revival, based at Rockingham Forest Trust in Oundle, the LEADER+ organisation, said:
"We want to keep the momentum going with this project and the local community are key to it's success "
Anyone with an idea or who would like to discuss ideas for environmental projects in their community should contact Rebecca Bishop, the Environ-mentors Project Officer on 01604 643653 or email: r.bishop@btcv.org.uk
