Charity celebrates five years of school active travel hubs
Environmental charity FEL Scotland is celebrating five years of its school-based active travel hubs, marking a significant milestone for the innovative education programme.
Article Source: FEL Scotland
Last Updated: 1 May 2024 10:06
Environmental charity FEL Scotland is celebrating five years of its school-based active travel hubs, marking a significant milestone for the innovative education programme that has inspired teenagers, teachers and the wider community to lead more active lives.
SUCCESS STORY
In 2019, FEL pioneered Scotland's inaugural school active travel hub at Lornshill Academy with funding from Paths for All’s Open Fund. Five years on, the Alloa based high school is reporting cycling rates nearly seven times the national average for secondary schools (9% vs 1.3%).
Since launching its first school-based hub, FEL has successfully expanded the project across four more secondaries in Forth Valley. Funds from Paths for All’s Active Nation Fund have enabled the charity to open hubs at Alloa Academy, Bannockburn High, Balfron High and Larbert High.
Project co-ordinator Jodie Murdoch said: “With the introduction of Balfron High and Larbert High to the programme late last year, we’re strengthening our commitment to making daily walking, cycling and wheeling more accessible for all.
"Our hubs are strategically situated within secondary schools with the aim of not only transforming the travel culture within the school community, but also reaching and influencing the catchment primary schools and the broader community.
“As community anchor institutions, our high schools play a pivotal role in promoting healthier modes of travel and nurturing a shared ethos of environmental stewardship and wellbeing."
DEDICATED SUPPORT
To lead this transformation, FEL has assigned a dedicated full-time project officer to each school, as Jodie explained:
“Our school hub officers lead a diverse range of daily activities, including guided rides and walks, outdoor health and wellbeing sessions, bike maintenance classes, active travel taster sessions, nature walks, primary transition work, and even skateboarding!
“These opportunities to be more physically active have been extended to the wider community too through our Community Bike Library and Community Skills Academy."
POSITIVE IMPACT
One of the programme’s biggest success stories is the positive impact on young people with complex and significant needs; with the five school hubs offering dedicated ASN sessions.
Bannockburn High Principal Teacher of Pupil Support, Lorna Shepherd said: "The students supported by our service are really excited about the Active Travel Hub. They look forward to their sessions and always return with interesting stories to tell.
“The Hub’s alternative teaching style has had a big effect, helping students overcome difficulties they might have had in regular classes. Now they approach learning with enthusiasm and are keen to collaborate with the Hub team.
“We’ve also seen an improvement in attendance from students who used to find traditional schooling challenging, thanks to the fun and practical sessions the Hub offers such as the SQA in bike maintenance."
Praising the project during recent visit to Bannockburn High School’s hub, Council Leader Chris Kane said: “We know the significant health and wellbeing benefits of walking, cycling and wheeling so it’s fantastic to see our young people at Bannockburn High and other schools embracing FEL’s active travel hubs.
“It’s vital we change our daily travel habits to more sustainable modes of travel, not only to encourage people to live healthier lives, but to help reduce carbon emissions and protect our natural environment for future generations.
“FEL’s innovative programme is giving our young people and school communities the support, confidence and learning to make that transition, and it was great to come along to Bannockburn High and see some of the activities taking place at the hub.”
FUTURE PLANS
FEL is now optimistic that the model's success will attract further funding, enabling the charity and it partners to roll it the programme out to schools across Scotland.
FEL Executive Director, Clara Walker said: “We’re currently working with over 4,000 young people, so just think of the potential for people and planet if this tried and tested model was to be scaled up.
“We warmly invite schools and local authorities interested in learning more to reach out to us."
Sponsored Links
Latest Stirling News
Have your say on plans for a sustainable transport system in Stirling
People will have the opportunity to shape a future transport system for Stirling that is fair, clean and affordable with the launch of a new consultation.
READ MORE
How to train your Dad in 4DX Cineworld enlists Gerard Butler
Cineworld is launching a brand new 4DX Father's Day gift experience, containing two 4DX tickets and ponchos, perfect for experiencing the new live-action "How to Train Your Dragon" film.
READ MORE
Summer of Roses: Free gardening workshop at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Rose-themed Grow How workshop this June, sharing top tips for caring for this beloved flowering plant.
READ MORE
William Wallace Running Festival seeks Teams of Bravehearts
Teams of runners have the chance to race through Scotland’s most historic battlefields and stunning landscapes during an exciting new event - the William Wallace Running Festival.
READ MORE
Cheers to 30 years: Scottish Bar and Pub Awards celebrate with public voting now open
Scotland's longest-running hospitality awards turn 30 - and they want you to have your say!
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Unplugged is coming this weekend!
Loch Lomond Unplugged, our FREE showcase of talented buskers and singer/songwriters, is this weekend and we’re super excited to welcome great acts from across Scotland and beyond!
READ MORE
Restored Memorial to be unveiled in Stirling
Restored memorial to be unveiled in Stirling's old town cemetery to mark the 250th anniversary of the American War of Independence.
READ MORE
Dig into summer fun at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting children to come along to its free-to-attend Little Seedlings Club, taking place across the country this June.
READ MORE
Aldi to gift year supply of free beer to biggest beer lover in Scotland
Aldi Scotland is on the hunt for the nation's biggest beer lover, as it revamps its popular Best Home Bar Competition by expanding the criteria.
READ MORE
Milestone year for Refugee Festival Scotland
Refugee Festival Scotland has officially unveiled the programme for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, running from 13 – 22 June.
READ MORE
Vue to host marvellous superhero season welcoming classic X Men films back to the big screen for 25th anniversary
Film fans, families and comic book enthusiasts are invited to rediscover the original big screen superhero team as a series of classic X-Men films return to the big screen at Vue this month.
READ MORE
Kids Fly FareFREE on new Loganair routes
Families can take advantage of Loganair's new Kids Fly Fare-FREE offer, allowing children aged 11 and under to travel without paying an airfare.
READ MORE
Find out how foster caring in Stirling could work for you at drop in event
A drop-in event to attract new foster carers is being hosted by Stirling Council at the Raploch Campus on Friday, May 16th.
READ MORE
Delight as Wallace High Senior Girls retain Scottish Cup in style
Wallace High Senior Girls are the pride of Stirling after retaining the Scottish Cup in stunning style on Friday night in front of hundreds of delighted fans.
READ MORE
Lorraine Kelly meets the Loch Ness Monster Milker delivering Nessie Nectar across the UK
IRN-BRU XTRA has launched a custom milk float delivery service bringing limited-edition Nessie Nectar straight from the shores of Loch Ness to doors across the UK.
READ MORE
Safety and family time driving surge in adult swim lessons
Scottish adults are being encouraged to learn to swim this summer to boost water safety skills for the whole family.
READ MORE
New documentary tells the story of world record breaking Scottish brothers
A new documentary - now live on STV Player - tells the story of the Maclean Brothers and their self-confessed “piss poor” preparations the ocean adventure that lay ahead.
READ MORE
Wallace High Girls bid again for Scottish Cup glory
People across Stirling are being urged to cheer on Wallace High Senior Girls on Friday night (9 May) as they bid to retain the Scottish Cup.
READ MORE
David Attenborough and Eurovision steal the spotlight at Vue venues in Scotland this month
Audiences are invited to travel the globe - both musically and visually - this May, as both David Attenborough and Eurovision head to the big screen at Vue venues across Scotland.
READ MORE
The Royal Yacht Britannia Exhibition and Retail Experience are shipshape and ready to welcome visitors
2025 marks the next chapter in The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust’s legacy with the opening of a brand-new, world-class visitor centre with exhibition and retail experience.
READ MORE
Pavilion Festival rounds off biggest event yet with Happy Mondays and STREETrave Classical
Pavilion Festival has rounded off its biggest ever event with over 16,000 music fans enjoying three days of non-stop live music and feel good vibes on Ayr’s iconic Low Green.
READ MORE
Cineworld announces first ever 4DX Family Day
For one day only, families can experience Moana, Paddington, and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in immersive 4DX at all 34 Cineworld 4DX screens nationwide.
READ MORE
Brand new show Something About Lennon opens UK tour this month with Scottish dates
Celebration of the iconic late Beatle's life and music will be performed at 26 venues nationwide.
READ MORE
Celebrate Fathers Day in Style with Dobbies Sunday Lunch and Planting Experience
This June, Dobbies Garden Centres is presenting a brand-new way to celebrate Father’s Day, combining a hearty Sunday roast with a hands-on grow-your-own herb planting workshop.
READ MORE
Blue Light Awards Scotland to honour emergency services heroes
Nominations for the Blue Light Awards Scotland, recognising the courage, commitment and community spirit of our Blue Light Services, are now open.
READ MORE
Funding awarded to seven projects for tree planting in cities and towns across Scotland
The Urban Forestry Programme is supporting projects in urban areas to help more people experience the benefits of trees.
READ MORE
Culture Night Stirling 2026 announced
Stirling Council and local partners are delighted to announce a new annual celebration of culture, which will see the area come alive at night with an exciting range of events and activities.
READ MORE
IRN BRU proposes Kelpies mythical makeover to honour our national animal
IRN-BRU thinks it’s time for Scotland’s unicorns to finally toot their own horn - by giving one of the country’s most iconic sculptures a magical makeover.
READ MORE
Rory McIlroy Confirmed for Genesis Scottish Open
Newly-crowned Masters Tournament champion Rory McIlroy is set to compete for a second Genesis Scottish Open title!
READ MORE
Major milestone reached in new flood defence scheme for Bridge of Allan
A new £16 million flood prevention scheme for Bridge of Allan has taken a significant step forward following approval to procure a contract to design and build the defences.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links