Environmental Awareness & Community Engagement

As part of its commitment to increasing community awareness, participation and engagement in environmental and conservation projects, Hull International Carnival has supported two community activities designed to connect people with nature, conservation and their local environment.

1. Community Garden & Outdoor Classroom Project – Francis Askew Primary School

Hull International Carnival supported a community garden and conservation activity at Francis Askew Primary School, working alongside The Conservation Volunteers (TCV).

The activity brought volunteers together to help improve and prepare areas of the school grounds for greater community and educational use. Volunteers helped clear overgrown areas and reshape parts of the grounds, with the aim of creating more attractive and accessible outdoor spaces for children.

Particular attention was given to a small wooded area within the school grounds. Volunteers helped with pruning and shaping vegetation, clearing selected areas and creating opportunities for children to explore and experience nature safely.

The work is intended to support the development of outdoor classroom and learning spaces, while also encouraging biodiversity. Areas are being managed to provide opportunities for wildlife habitat, including spaces where insects, birds and other small creatures can thrive.

The project demonstrates how relatively small-scale conservation activities can create valuable educational opportunities for children while improving local biodiversity and encouraging a greater understanding and appreciation of the natural environment.

2. Community Nature Day Trip to York

As a further contribution to community environmental awareness and engagement, Hull International Carnival funded a nature day trip to York for community volunteers, organised with the support of Welcome House Hull.

The trip provided an opportunity for volunteers and members of the community to step outside their usual surroundings and experience different natural and environmental spaces together.

The day was designed not only as an opportunity for people to enjoy nature, but also as a way of recognising and showing appreciation for the contribution made by volunteers within the community.

Hull International Carnival provided free coach travel and refreshments, enabling community members to participate without the usual financial barriers associated with travelling outside Hull.

The trip also created an opportunity for people from different backgrounds and community groups to meet, socialise and share experiences while developing a greater appreciation of the natural environment.

Special thanks go to Warda Sehili of Welcome House Hull for helping to organise the trip, and to Acklams Coaches for providing the coach transport and supporting the community experience.

Connecting People, Community and Nature

Together, these two activities demonstrate Hull International Carnival's wider commitment to supporting projects that bring people together, encourage volunteering, increase environmental awareness and create meaningful connections with nature.

From improving a small woodland habitat within a primary school to giving community volunteers the opportunity to experience nature beyond Hull, both activities show how community participation can contribute to environmental stewardship while also providing positive social and educational experiences.