The Eden Project comes to Ilford

The programme encourages pupils and teachers to improve the sustainability performance of their school and homes in measurable ways.

After a brief assembly introducing the children to the companies, year 5 then participated in a workshop. The workshop taught the children about sustainability both in and outside of the classroom to help them connect with the environment. The aim of the session was to use food to look at how our lives are truly global and how our choices have an effect on ourselves and the world.

Using food as the theme, pupils undertook research to help them decide what makes the ‘best’ packed lunch, taking into account packaging, local produce, health and cost. The activity illustrated how our spending power and choices can make a difference, and that sustainable decision-making can be complicated. VolkerFitzpatrick and Crossrail volunteers supported the delivery of the workshop, helping the children with their reading and guiding the activities.

Bobbette Watson, workplace and community liaison coordinator for VolkerFitzpatrick commented about the day: “It was very rewarding working alongside The Eden Project and Planet First. Sustainability is one of VolkerFitzpatrick’s high priorities and we continuously aim to minimise our environmental impact. It is great to work in the local community to help raise the importance of sustainability. The children thoroughly enjoyed the workshops and we hope to do more with the Eden Project and the Christchurch school in the future.”

The Ilford Yard Stabling project awarded by Crossrail will see the creation of ten new sidings for Crossrail trains, and construction of a new building for train drivers and other staff at the existing depot located between Ilford and Seven Kings station. Construction started in summer 2013 and is expected to be completed in 2016.