La Société Education Team

Local environmental projects open for funding

La Société Guernesiaise’s Education Team aims to inspire the next generation to appreciate, understand and protect Guernsey’s natural environment. Through inclusive, hands-on learning in schools and youth groups, the team helps children and young people connect with local wildlife, understand the importance of biodiversity and develop a lifelong passion for nature

Overview

How to Support this Project

To support this project, please contact: [email protected]

La Société created its education team in September 2020 thanks to funding from the Guernsey Community Foundation. The focus is the delivery of an Environmental Education programme through the school curriculum which is linked to the States of Guernsey Strategy for Nature.

In addition to working with the education curriculum, the team aims to work with and support youth groups and clubs to engage young people’s interest in Guernsey’s heritage and foster a sense of stewardship.

For more information visit the La Société Guernesiaise Education page

La Société Guernesiaise was founded in 1882 to encourage the study of the history, natural history, geography and geology of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, the conservation of the Bailiwick’s natural environment and the preservation of its historic buildings and monuments. In many respects, La Société Guernesiaise is similar to the UK Wildlife Trusts. However, its activities extend into many other areas, including history, archaeology and astronomy. .

Project Information

La Société Guernesiaise’s Education Team delivers engaging, hands-on environmental education for children and young people across Guernsey. Through school visits, outdoor activities and youth group sessions, the project helps young people discover local wildlife, understand biodiversity and develop a lasting connection with nature. Business funding helps support these opportunities, inspiring the next generation to value and protect Guernsey’s natural environment.

Find out more about the team on the ground, Becky and Sarah, here: Education - La Societe Guernesiaise

Education is their primary responsibility and, in addition to their work throughout the key stages, over the past two years Becky and Sarah have visited every reception class in States schools to deliver four outdoor education sessions; these lessons are on the topics of soil and plants, insects and mini-beasts, birds and other animals and, finally, sea and shore.

This programme is part of the States of Guernsey’s Cultural Enrichment Programme, but limited funding means the team can’t deliver everything they’d like to offer local children. Your business could help bridge that gap and give more Guernsey children the opportunity to discover, learn about and connect with nature.

"We believe that instilling a love and understanding of nature and our environment in children at such an early age will sow the seeds of an enduring interest and a sense of stewardship of our island and its unique natural heritage." - Becky Ogier, Education & Conservation Leader, La Société Education Team

Funding needed

The cost of delivering the programme each year costs £30,000, and this includes the following:

nature craft activities for pre-schoolers
four outdoor education sessions per year for reception classes, on soil, plants, insects, birds, and the seashore
Development and delivery of lessons, presentations and activities for Years 1 and 2 children.

Which UN Sustainable Development Goals does this Project contribute to?

This project helps to progress against the following UN Sustainable Development Goal:

#3 good health and wellbeing
#4 quality education
#12 responsible consumption and production
#13 climate action
#14 life below water
#15 life on land

Outcomes

Enhances wellbeing - time spent learning about and in nature reduces stress, anxiety, and behavioural issues while promoting emotional resilience
Fosters environmental literacy - students gain a better understanding of ecosystems, sustainability, biodiversity, and human impacts
Builds awareness - early exposure to environmental concepts encourages lifelong stewardship of the planet
Connects head, heart, and hands - nature education links knowledge (head), emotional connection (heart), and action (hands), making it holistic and impactful
Creates ripple effects - students often influence their families and communities through what they learn at school