FSC UK's Executive Director, Charles Thwaites MBE, presented an FSC UK award to Milbourne Lodge in recognition of all of the efforts of the pupils and teachers in raising awareness of the importance of responsible forestry and the FSC logo. FSC Friday activities took place throughout the school and across many different subjects with pupils and teachers putting in an extraordinary amount of hard work.
The impact of FSC Friday has carried on, with Sybil Cary (teacher) stating that "the children were totally swept up by the day and have talked of little else since then". Even weeks and months after FSC Friday, the walls of the school landing are groaning under the weight of items bearing FSC logos, which are still being brought in by the children almost daily.
The staff and pupils were very excited when we let them know that they had been selected for an award: "That is truly fantastic news. It is hugely appreciated. Hours, days and weeks of work go into preparing for a project like this... as a school we are really, really delighted" (Sybil Cary, teacher) and “What fantastic news! Strangely, I actually opened your email in the middle of the woods with the autumn light streaming through the trees next to our school with yet another group of students who have been inspired to take more woodland photos! We would be delighted to accept the award and feel honoured that you have selected our small school for one of your prestigious FSC awards. How exciting" (Tiggy Bawden, teacher).
Charles comments: "I was completely uplifted by my morning at Milbourne Lodge School. Sybil Cary and Tiggy Bawden had worked so hard to generate enthusiasm for FSC Friday in September that the children’s interest had remained undiminished right up until the end of term. The girls and boys had tracked down scores of examples of FSC products ... many of which I myself did not know existed! And their knowledge of what FSC is trying to achieve was really impressive; if all the next generation cares as much as the kids at Milbourne Lodge School, then there is plenty of hope for the future of the world’s forests".
Well done to everybody at Milbourne Lodge School and we would also like to make a special mention of Sybil Cary and Tiggy Bawden for all of their input.
To see more photos (as well as two lovely videos of the school activities), please click here.