School Launches Project Near Hertford to Help Prevent Water Pollution

A primary school has launched a colourful new project near Hertford (UK) to help stamp out water pollution in the area.

Hertingfordbury Cowper Primary School in Birch Green is actively supporting the Environment Agency’s (UK) Yellow Fish campaign, which aims to stop would-be fly-tippers from pouring environmentally-harmful substances down the drain and to help prevent diffuse pollution.

After getting permission from Hertfordshire County Council to launch the project, Year 3 children painted yellow fish signs by the Birch Green village pond last Friday (July 5).

Children at the school have been learning about the issues of water pollution in science and geography lessons and about the impact this has on local waterways, including the local River Mimram.
East Herts Council and Herts and Essex Wildlife Trust have also been working with and advising the school about water pollution.

Hertingfordbury teacher Helen Sizer said: “The children have been incredibly motivated by the project and it has given them a valuable real life-learning experience, providing them with the opportunity to make a difference in the world and develop as responsible citizens.

“As a school we are committed to developing environmental learning as part of an engaging curriculum and we have been delighted to be involved with the Yellow Fish project.”

Yellow Fish promotes awareness of local environments, diffuse pollution and the quality of water in your local stream, river, lake, pond, canal, beach or break. Anything going down drains will ultimately end up entering watercourses and the sea.

Pollutants such as oils, paints, chemicals, dirty water, and even litter entering drains can seriously impact upon your local watercourse or seaside. It also raises awareness of misconnections, which result in sewage and grey water entering your rivers.

Environment Officer from the Environment Agency, James Burton, said: “We are delighted the school has chosen to adopt our Yellow Fish project which aims to reduce water pollution in our environment.

“We have been very impressed with the school’s work to put this vital campaign into practice, in particular the children’s eagerness and enthusiasm to learn about the issues of water pollution.

“We hope this was a fun way to help them learn about the key issues which affect our environment.”
Malcolm Alexander, Executive Member for Community Safety and Environment, said: “The pupils were fantastic, really interested in finding out where our water goes once we pour it down the drain. They did lots of creative project work themselves. Their awareness and enthusiasm is a welcome sign for the future of our environment.”