Oxfordshire children given exploration opportunity through Beard donation

Published by

Tom Kilkelly

Credit: Earth Trust

School children from some of the most deprived areas of Oxfordshire have been given the opportunity to undergo an environmental education experience through donations from construction company Beard.

The programme, which is designed and delivered by charity Earth Trust, aims to connect disadvantaged children with the natural world through exciting outdoor experiences.

Access to such trips has been extremely limited in recent years, as schools battle against tighter budgets and access to resources, including staffing.

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2023 is the first full year of the programme, with three classes accessing two visits each year for three years. This allows those 90 students to build on their learning and to develop a greater understanding and appreciation of nature and the environment.

Mark Beard, chairman of Beard, said: “Regardless of circumstance or background, every child should have the opportunity to learn about the environment and explore the natural world around them.

''This fantastic initiative by Earth Trust is not just important in educating young people but empowering them to become future stewards of our environment and planet.

“The climate of the last few years has significantly reduced the opportunities for young people to have these valuable experiences. We are delighted to partner with Lucy Group to support the work of Earth Trust and create those opportunities for disadvantaged children in the region.”

Tom Kilkelly

Tom Kilkelly started working as a freelance journalist for The Business Magazine following his graduation from UCL in 2022. During his studies Tom became very interested in the works of Irish authors including Samuel Beckett and Flann O'Brien (Brian O'Nolan). His current role as a freelance business reporter is his first exposure to the world of business journalism. Working at TBM has given Tom the chance to really get to grips with the goings-on in the business hive that is the South East.