Students receive award for Stroud Canal Restoration project volunteering

Five National Star students were awarded the prestigious Heritage Heroes award in the Stroud Council Chambers earlier this week. They received this award for their time spent volunteering as part of the Stroud Canal Restoration project.

Throughout the academic year, students joined a local volunteering group where they completed various tasks to support the conservation of the canals. Tasks included planting trees, clearing public pathways, securing benches along the canal paths, building bug houses, cutting back bushes and litter picking.

Participating in the project has supported students with their confidence, communication skills, and taught them the importance of checking the quality of their work.

Julian Ralph, Programme Manager at National Star, shared: ‘It has been an honour to watch our students grow in confidence and become part of a community group where they feel comfortable communicating with strangers. This is something that a lot of our students struggle with, and without this project, this wouldn’t have been possible.’

Students shared that they have gained a magnitude of new skills, including how to build a fire, make bee boxes, create a new path, and identify new wildlife. Student Christopher shared, ‘I have enjoyed making new friends, good digging, good planting of trees, and realising I am good at everything.’

Students were asked what top tips they would give to a new group who wanted to join the project. Their responses included ‘You need to wear wellies, a yellow visibility jacket, a building hat, walking boots, and a pair of gloves.’ Another shared, ‘You will need to bring a life jacket, a drink, and a packed lunch.’ These comments highlight additional lessons for students on the importance of health and safety.

National Star is proud to be partnered with Stroud District Council and the opportunities this has created for our students.