“It makes me really happy”: School children thrilled to be a part of Cleethorpes’ future

Pupils from Signhills School joined North East Lincolnshire Council’s Coastal Ranger, Josh Forrester, for the S for Saltmarsh event as part of the DUNE project. The scheme, funded through The National Lottery Heritage Fund, aims to promote the amazing wildlife and landscapes that are on offer in Cleethorpes whilst also educating people on how to respect it.

At the same time, there are wide scale regeneration projects going on all around Cleethorpes, creating a more welcoming, modern and safe space for residents and visitors.

As part of this, Hemingway Designs have produced plans to install large structures spelling out the resort’s name in different themes linked to Cleethorpes, with each letter being placed around the gardens themselves. It’s hoped they will encourage people to explore and interact with the area whilst visiting Cleethorpes.

Each element will encapsulate different themes around the resort with the S representing the Saltmarshes – a rare and internationally important habitat for wildlife.

Whilst embodying all this, the structure will act as a viewing spot across the estuary to observe birds and wildlife whilst also incorporating a range of plants and trees to emphasise the natural aspect of the piece.

To ensure the public put their own stamp on the piece, Josh and the students collected a range of plants and flowers from the dunes, before returning to school to create bespoke patterns using a technique called mono-printing.

The resultant pattern is then going to be used in the final design of the S.

Josh said: “What the children are going to be making today is going to be used in a structures around Cleethorpes and I think it’s great that they can be part of this lasting legacy that is being created.”

He added: “It feels great to have been able to impart some knowledge onto the younger generation and they’re so keen to learn more about it. It’s an important part of the DUNE project and I’m so glad we’ve been able to further some people’s understanding of our coastline and the habitats that surround it.”

Councillor Philip Jackson, Portfolio Holder for Economy, Regeneration, Devolution and Skills, said: “This has been a great opportunity for young people to have their say on the regeneration of Cleethorpes.

“Working alongside the public, we can make sure the end result is one everyone wants. This is an exciting time for North East Lincolnshire and I cannot wait to see the final designs.”

He added: “The Council are committed to creating a new landscape in both Grimsby and Cleethorpes that will ensure a successful future for the borough and we’re thrilled to be able to bring the public along with us on this journey.”

There will be a chance for the public to help add to the S for Saltmarsh project too on Thursday, 30 October.

Josh will be taking a group on a guided nature walk and collecting various objects with them to further add to the pattern that has been started by the students from Signhills.

For more information and to sign up to the event, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/s-is-for-saltmarsh-a-guided-nature-walk-and-design-workshop-tickets-1794621594499

The Cleethorpes Coastal Ranger is part of the Dynamic Understanding of the Natural Environment (DUNE) which is exploring Cleethorpes’ natural heritage and is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.