How we're working with Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust to help kids connect with nature

Sarah Lamb, Education Officer for Young People at Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust, tells us about the charity’s work and why working with organisations like E.ON is so important.

“Working at Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust, I’m lucky to be part of a project that’s making a real difference in the lives of local children. Since partnering with E.ON in April 2024, as part of its commitment to supporting communities around its Blackburn Meadows biomass plant in Sheffield, we've been able to offer more than 1,700 kids in Sheffield and Rotherham the chance to connect with nature — something many of them might not have had the opportunity to do otherwise.

This partnership means so much to me because, as someone who’s passionate about biodiversity, I know how important it is for children to build a connection to the natural world. It’s not just about facts and figures — it’s about sparking curiosity and fostering a lifelong commitment to protecting the environment. Through this programme, kids are experiencing school trips, afterschool clubs, and holiday programmes that introduce them to nature in fun, hands-on ways. Whether they’re building dens or learning about plants and ecosystems, the joy and excitement I’ve seen in their faces is what makes this work so rewarding.

What really excites me is that, thanks to E.ON’s support, these outdoor experiences are accessible to kids who might otherwise miss out. For many, this is their first time spending time in nature, and it’s clear how much it means to them. One teacher told me, “Our children don’t get many life experiences, and it was so lovely to take them somewhere close to school. It gave them confidence and motivation to share their experiences with their families.” That’s the kind of impact we’re seeing — and it’s a huge reminder of why this work is so important.

The feedback from teachers and kids has been overwhelmingly positive. 100% of schools reported that the children learned something new about nature, and 100% of the kids said they felt inspired to take action to protect nature after the sessions. It’s not just about learning — it’s about building confidence, improving mental wellbeing, and fostering a sense of responsibility toward the environment.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to see how this partnership grows. E.ON’s support has also helped us create nature-friendly school grounds and train teachers to incorporate outdoor learning into their regular lessons. This will ensure that the benefits of these experiences last long after the sessions end.

At the end of the day, this project is about giving every child the chance to connect with nature. As we work to nurture the next generation of environmental stewards, I feel proud to be part of something that’s making such a positive impact on kids - and on the future of our planet.”

Discover how the Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust helps children connect to nature at wildsheffield.com/outdoor-learning

About Blackburn Meadows

E.ON’s Blackburn Meadows biomass-fuelled combined heat and power plant powers up to 69,000 homes and businesses in South Yorkshire. Our partnership with Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust is part of our wider commitment to delivering positive impacts for the communities around the site. To learn more about E.ON’s Blackburn Meadows renewable energy plant, click here.