Choosing to travel actively during the pandemic has led to a big reduction in carbon emissions for Ysgol Tir Morfa.
Active travel is a great way to support children’s health and wellbeing.
It’s also an important way to help address the climate emergency and reduce levels of air pollution around school communities.
Ysgol Tir Morfa, an Additional Learning Needs school in Rhyl, joined the Active Journeys Programme back in 2018.
Active Journeys is helping children across the country to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to travel safely to school on foot, by bike and scooter.
Leading by example during the pandemic
Covid-19 has been a challenging time for schools across Wales, but Ysgol Tir Morfa has used the opportunity to bring about a positive change. They have ditched the minibus since the start of the pandemic, with pupils and teachers choosing to travel actively instead, on trips and outings.
With funding from the Welsh Government, our Active Journeys Programme has also supported Ysgol Tir Morfa to purchase a fleet of scooters for the pupils.
Teachers adapted to the pandemic by planning more trips locally to Rhyl.
Identifying routes that support active travel provides an opportunity to explore the local area and boosts pupils’ confidence to travel actively in the future.
Reducing emissions
Ysgol Tir Morfa compared their travel habits between September – December for 2019 and then 2020.
Approximately 500kg reduction in CO2 emissions since the beginning of the pandemic.
By rethinking trips and travelling actively, minibus mileage reduced by 73% for trips & outings.
96% reduction in overall CO2 emissions by decreasing minibus travel, including getting to and from school.
“With the new scooters and support of the Active Journeys Programme, I’m confident that pupils will continue to lead by example and fight climate change with their active travel” -HANNAH MEULMAN
Improving health and wellbeing
Walking, scooting, wheeling or cycling to destinations has also been a fun way to support the children’s health and wellbeing.
North Wales Active Journeys Officer Hannah Meulman said: “Ysgol Tir Morfa is a great example of a school committed to active travel.”
“The benefits include improved wellbeing, which is so important for supporting children’s mental health during the coronavirus pandemic.”