Get Creative for Nature Over Half Term

Inspiring environmental art competition appeals for children and young people to get involved over holidays and the summer term. Thanks to a grant from The Boltini Trust, Sussex Green Living and the South Downs National Park Trust, which is the official charity of South Downs National Park, have developed this “Clean Up & Create” a Bright New Future competition for 5-16 year olds in Sussex and Hampshire.

Julie Fawcett, Chair of the South Downs National Park Trust, said “A key focus for the South Downs National Park Trust is to engage young people with this amazing natural asset on their doorstep with all its beautiful landscapes and wildlife.

“This competition offers a great way for children to get creative and think about ways we can conserve and enhance our environment in the years ahead. Young people are the future custodians of national gems such as the South Downs and this is a fantastic way to inspire them”

The aim is to encourage young people to design some artwork with a powerful message to raise awareness of the environment and represent the theme of a bright new future they want for the world.

There are two categories to choose from in each age group:

1. An eco-art sculpture – using litter, recycling and unwanted items, the focus of the creation and thought-provoking message is the children’s choice. There is no size limit.
2. A poster – youngsters can use litter if they wish but not compulsory. Once again, the focus of the poster and message are up to the children but it must portray either challenges to the environment and/or solutions. There is no size limit.

Inspiration for a bright new future could include littering, climate change, ocean plastic, being “green” at home or at school, sustainable changes you would like your village or town to adopt and so on.

Or perhaps staying at home has motivated children to imagine the world they want to live in. They may have been moved by the news of the massive drop in air pollution or the clips of wild animals wandering through the world’s towns and cities in recent weeks. They may also be doing things differently during the lockdown that reduces their family’s carbon footprint. The choice is theirs.

There are 16 prizes of £150 to be won. And the competition closes on 10 July.

Carrie Cort from Sussex Green Living said: “The pause in our lives has given everyone the opportunity to reflect and learn how quickly nature recovers when there’s less human activity. We hope this competition will encourage young people to use their imaginations to engage with nature and the environment.”

Additional information, promotional posters, the entry form and learning resources can be found here: https://www.sussexgreenliving.org.uk/environmental-education-for-lockdown-victims/ or

If you have any queries, please contact Carrie on .

#CleanUpCreateArt #SouthDownsTrustCreateArt

Note to editors:

Sussex Green Living

Sussex Green Living (SGL) is an environmental awareness initiative run by volunteers for the community. Our mission is to make the world a better place by educating and inspiring people to take action to protect our Planet and share practical ideas about how to live more sustainably.

To join our amazing network of volunteers and supporters or learn more about all SGL schemes please click here: https://www.sussexgreenliving.org.uk/about-

us/press/press-release/