Ocean Explorer Academy

The Ocean Explorer Academy (OEA) is our flagship environmental education programme for young people from local North Devon schools.  They become an inspired, connected community of planet-saving superheroes with a clear pathway into conservation-based mindsets, actions and careers.    

Testimonials

  • "This has inspired me so much, I love the trips we do. I really want to be a marine biologist. Now I know more about what I can do to make that happen."

    Braunton Academy Student

  • "We want to stay all day and learn more here."

    Pilton Community College Student

  • "X really enjoyed the Ocean Explorers sessions, I cannot recommend the programme you offer enough. Thank you for making the experience possible."

    Park Community School Parent

  • We have so many students who want to attend that we have a waiting list and reserves list.

    Pilton Community College Teacher

  • Can I do it again? I don’t want it to finish. One day I want to work with you on Ocean Explorers because everyone should learn how to help the planet.

    Braunton Academy Student

What we do

Students attend up to 6 sessions, where they connect with nature and each other in an immersive, fun, exploratory way. We explore and learn about ocean plastics and marine and terrestrial habitats.  We clean beaches and visit rockpools, an organic farm, dunescapes, woodlands and a charity shop donations warehouse, as well as getting hands-on conservation experience. These sessions provide our young people with exciting experiences that many have not accessed before.

Example Activities

Students take part in a variety of activities - here are some examples

Citizen science inspired research at Croyde beach

In 2023 and 2024, more than 250 North Devon students took part in the OEA programme and we’ve received fantastic feedback from students, their families and schools.

Students enjoy a variety of upcycling and crafting challenges

Spending time immersed in nature isn’t just good for our physical and mental health and wellbeing, it’s also critical if the next generation is going to take action to protect the planet.  We create ongoing opportunities for students and their families to continue on the pathway to a love of nature and proactive planetary protection.

Invasive species clearing with the National Trust

Our explorers meet a variety of local conservation experts with bucketloads of experience and passion, who provide attendees with a clear understanding of how to get into nature-related work.

We plant trees, remove invasive species, collect and upload citizen science data, clean beaches, design our own farms, sketch, reflect, meditate, stretch, research, take photos, marvel at critters, get up close to farm animals, upcycle various waste from local tourism partners and have flapjack breaks too, what’s not to love…