A FESTIVAL saw 300 Maldon students take part in activities to raise awareness of the environmental impacts of littering.

In collaboration with Maldon District Council, Essex County Council and Plume Academy, Braxted Park Estate hosted the region’s first ‘Let’s Talk Trash’ Festival on Tuesday.

The students aged from 11 to 13 watched a documentary-style film created by Mike Napier outlining the serious impacts of littering on our environment.

They also learned about how Maldon is home to one of the most advanced AI-led recycling plants in the world.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Message: students spelt out 'no litter'Message: students spelt out 'no litter' (Image: Orange PR)

Big Green Recycling’s robots sort more than 1,000 pieces of rubbish per minute and Braxted Park was delighted to host the robots at the event and invite students to participate in a Wheelie Bin Challenge for some learning.

The students took part in seven interactive zones which included a quiz, bird feeder building with Essex Wildlife Trust, an immersive theatre from Big Wheel Theatre Company and a range of hands-on activities.

Braxted Park owner and sustainability spokesman Duncan Clark hopes we can change our attitudes to littering in the UK.

He said: “The team and I were delighted to host such an important and motivating event at Braxted Park Estate, all made possible thanks to the ECC Climate Action Challenge Fund.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Hosts: Duncan Clark and Peter SchwierHosts: Duncan Clark and Peter Schwier (Image: Orange PR)

“I am greatly saddened by the littering around our Essex countryside and am delighted to do anything that helps educate young people to take the decisions required to reverse the trend.”

Military RAF veteran and guest speaker Duncan Slater also spoke and encouraged students to re-evaluate their attitude towards littering.

Key supporter of the event and attendee, councillor Peter Schiwer, Essex County Council’s Climate Czar and cabinet member for environment, waste reduction and recycling said: “It was a privilege to attend the ‘Let’s Talk Trash’ Festival and I really hope the event will shift the perceptions of the region’s youth and drive change for good.

“Working alongside our communities and schools is so important – we’ve all got to come together and make small changes bit by bit in order to make our county flourish.”