A group of young people from Harwich and Dovercourt took part in a unique educational project organised by Harwich Seaside Explorers, with support from the Essex & South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership (CRP) and funded by Greater Anglia.

Over the winter months, the small group worked closely with Libby Scarfe at Harwich Seaside Explorers Beach School, taking part in nature-based learning, including a hands-on seaweed survey along the local coastline.

As part of the project, Essex & South Suffolk CRP provided train tickets for the children to travel with Greater Anglia to London, giving them the opportunity to visit the Natural History Museum. During the trip, the group enjoyed a unique behind-the-scenes experience, learning first-hand about the work scientists do to research, catalogue, and protect the natural world.

This visit was the first of its kind for the Natural History Museum, and it is hoped that the success of the experience will lead to similar behind-the-scenes opportunities being offered to more young people in the future.

Jane Stewart, Essex & South Suffolk CRP officer, said: “This kind of activity is incredibly valuable. It helps children learn about the environment in a meaningful and hands-on way, while building their confidence to travel by train safely and responsibly. All the children left the museum feeling inspired by what they had seen and learned, with marine biology now firmly at the top of their list of future career ambitions.

“Thanks to the support of Greater Anglia’s Customer and Community Improvement Fund, we were able to create experiences that open up new opportunities and broaden horizons for young people.”

Scott Dolling, Greater Anglia’s partnerships manager, said: “We are pleased to support initiatives like this, which break down barriers and build confidence for those new to rail travel.

“We are always looking to enhance the role of the railway in support of the community it serves, and our Customer and Community Improvement Fund is a way of supporting further locally focused enhancements in line with community needs.”

Learn more about Greater Anglia’s work in the community here.

Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from Essex & South Suffolk CRP via their website.