Ellie Ratcliffe & Sharron Colpitts-Elliot, Sustainability Lead & Head Teacher, Rockcliffe First School

The impact that working with Threads in the Ground has had on the pupils at Rockcliffe First School and, to be truthful; the entire Rockcliffe community, is difficult to put into a few words

From the beginning to the end of this particular project, children were at the centre of every decision that was made. Over the years, I have worked with many organisations on a range of different projects. However, Threads seemed unique to us and set it apart from previous initiatives we had taken part in. It was clear that the primary goal was to educate the children of Rockcliffe, and the whole Rockcliffe community, through its plans and actions.

One way that Threads achieved this was by collaborating closely with our Eco-Club. Throughout the project, Threads continuously ensured that all of the children's ideas and thoughts were communicated. Their design work was not just a tokenistic activity; the children were ecstatic to see their sketches and concepts come to life in the form... mushrooms! The cherry on top for the children was to see themselves in a BBC Look North TV and BBC Newcastle Radio interview about their Mushroom Sculpture Trail efforts. What an achievement for all involved! None of this would have been possible without Threads, for which we are incredibly grateful. The Threads team and volunteers made sure that staff received training so that they could assist in the teaching of Sustainability to both children and the Rockcliffe community. No question was considered too trivial or unimportant. Threads in the Ground will leave a legacy that will enable staff to deliver high quality lessons, as part of our 'Education for Sustainability' curriculum.

The Threads team developed a great rapport with the Rockcliffe families as well as the staff members and children. It came apparent that many Rockcliffe families signed up for Threads workshops outside of the classroom environment, demonstrating the effectiveness of Threads in the Ground's work.

Here at Rockcliffe First School, we want to express our thanks once more to Threads in the Ground for making all of this possible, and for being an organisation which champions finding sustainable, long-lasting solutions to climate change-related issues. What a crucial message for everyone!

This has been a truly meaningful project which has involved the entire Rockcliffe community and is sure to have a long-lasting and extremely positive impact. Thank you!