THOUSANDS of pupils have learnt about the dangers of dropping litter in the New Forest in the last five years.
The National Park Authority’s education team has worked with the district council and the Forestry Commission to visit schools and teach children about the effect of littering.
More than 16,000 pupils aged between five and 11 have now heard about the effect litter can have on wildlife, as well as the unsightliness of dropping rubbish on the ground rather than in a bin. This year’s theme focuses on the problems with plastic bags, as many New Forest animals mistake them for food or get tangled up in them.
Education officer Sue Palma said: “This is the fifth year we have been offering litter assemblies to schools across the park.
“We use a variety of different themes to teach children about the long-lasting effects littering has on the environment and the importance of taking their litter home with them.”
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