Hold on to your litter pickers, folks, because something incredible just happened in Castle Eden Dene. And it all started with a curious child, a few rogue poo bags, and a vision for a cleaner, greener world. Meet M, the unstoppable six year old change maker who’s just made history as the first ever recipient of the Open Air Education Innovation Award.

It was the winding woodland paths of Castle Eden Dene which sparked M’s big idea; our school’s classroom; a National Nature Reserve alive with birdsong and centuries of history… and, sadly, some pockets of very modern pollution. While on one of our walks, M noticed something that bothered her: discarded litter, including unsightly poo bags left hanging from trees or tossed carelessly onto the forest floor.

But where others saw a mess, M saw a mission.

This wasn’t her first brush with environmental action. Thanks to her time at Playology Beach School, M already knew the power of a litter picker. She’d experienced firsthand how small actions could lead to cleaner coastlines and happier communities. So, when an opportunity arose to pitch an idea for the Open Air Education Innovation Award, M knew exactly what she wanted to tackle.

The Pitch That Sparked a Movement

Her first step? A meeting with Hannah, our school’s founder and headteacher leading the initiative. After discussing her concerns and goals, M was challenged to take things further. She wasn’t handed a solution; she was empowered to create one.

Armed with her eco-enthusiasm, M got to work. Her task: develop a fully costed business plan, clearly outlining how her project would contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)— which she learned together with her teacher Caroline were namely SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

And M didn’t disappoint.

With support, she carefully calculated the cost of essential materials: a few sturdy litter pickers, metal hooks to hang them, and a wooden pallet she managed to have donated - score! Total estimated cost? Just £6. Yes, you read that right. For less than the price of a cinema ticket, M had envisioned a tool station that could empower an entire community to protect their environment.

The Dragons’ Den Moment

With her business plan in hand and confidence in her heart, M returned to pitch her idea. The simplicity and impact of her vision, combined with her clarity on logistics and sustainability, won over the panel. After some careful questioning and lively discussion, her funding request was approved.

And then the real work began.

From Vision to Reality

M rolled up her sleeves and set about designing her litter pick station. But this wasn’t just a makeshift wooden box. She thought like a true environmental engineer:

• How would the station withstand rain and wind?

• Where should it be placed to ensure visibility and accessibility?

• How could she make sure people would actually use it?

Together with her teacher Caroline, she brainstormed creative ways to motivate the public. Perhaps by encouraging local pride, or displaying signs that explained the difference each pick-up could make. She even factored in how to securely affix the station to its chosen site without causing harm to the surrounding environment.

Powerful Words, Powerful Action

Knowing that community collaboration was key, M composed a persuasive letter to Natural England’s Senior Reserve Manager. In it, she wrote her vision, her plan, and Natural England Rangers were touched by her heartfelt desire to be part of something bigger than herself. She didn’t just stop there, she followed up with a short face-to-face discussion, confidently requesting official permission to install the station.

Her initiative, drive, and unwavering commitment to protecting Castle Eden Dene’s natural beauty inspired everyone she met.

A Movement in the Making

M’s project is more than a litter station. It’s a symbol of youth leadership, a practical reminder that even the smallest eco-warrior can make a massive difference. By spotting a problem, taking ownership, and building a solution rooted in sustainability, M has set a gold standard for community engagement and environmental stewardship.

Castle Eden Dene is already cleaner, and the ripple effects of M’s innovation are just beginning.

So the next time you walk through those ancient woods and spot a smartly weatherproofed litter station inviting you to take part, remember: it started with one child, one idea, and one simple question;

“What can I do to help?”

The answer, as M has shown us, is: plenty. 🌱🌍💪