Press release: Camden’s young pirates build floating nature gardens

Young people from the Camden Goods Yard estate’s Pirate Club will compete to build the best floating wildlife garden this week, in a project led by London Sustainability Exchange.

Today, the 9-16 year olds will be inspired by a visit to the Camley Street Natural Park and will learn about what they can do day-to-day to look after the environment.

Tomorrow, they will relocate to the Regent’s Canal, where they will compete to build the best floating pontoon, using waste materials from the Kings Cross Channel Tunnel Rail Link. The pontoons will provide a place where local wildlife such as plants, insects and birds can flourish.

The activities form part of an innovative pilot project led by London Sustainability Exchange in partnership with the Community Housing Group.

The project is testing ways to motivate children and young people to take up greener lifestyles. It also aims to find out whether children can act as agents of change in their communities, and help build cohesion.

Samantha Heath, Director of London Sustainability Exchange, said:

“Our young people need support and encouragement to become a force for good in their community. Through this initiative, they are helping to create an environment they can be proud of.”

Alasdair Gordon of the Community Housing Group said:

“This initiative empowers members of the Pirate Club to take ownership for their surroundings, lead greener lifestyles, and influence their families and friends to do the same. The result is a cleaner, greener, safer future for Camden”.

For more information, contact Gail Dinner on 020 7324 3691

Notes to editors:

1. Activities are taking place on Tuesday 15th August at Camley Street Natural Park and on 16th and 17th August at the Camden Goods’ Yard estate from 1- 5 pm. 
2. Photos are available on request
3. This pilot initiative is testing the theory that children can be effective agents for change for greener lifestyles and enhanced community cohesion. It forms part of Motivate London, a three year project being delivered by London Sustainability Exchange. Motivate London is identifying what motivates Londoners to take up environmentally sustainable lifestyles, through pilot projects, research, and a London Motivators’ Learning Network. Click here to go to the Motivate London web page.
4. London Sustainability Exchange (www.lsx.org.uk) provides organisations and networks of individuals with the motivation, knowledge, and connections they need to put sustainability into practice. We operate as a programme of our lead partner Forum for the Future, recognised as the UK’s leading sustainability charity.
5. Community Housing Group is a Registered Social Landlord which manages over 4000 homes across London including 2000 homes in Camden.  We have been delivering Youth Services to children and young people in Camden for the last nine years and are committed to improving the opportunities for all our residents young and old.