Students from Ramsey Abbey College invited the public to view plans they produced, which could influence real-life development in Ramsey at an exhibition held last week. Over 60 people attended to see the work the students had done and to have their say on the plans that may affect their town. 

Over 600 young people from Ramsey College have been involved in this exciting project in Ramsey to learn about and help shape a master plan for a zero carbon rural regeneration scheme. 

The aim of the project is to engage young people and the wider community in learning how important our environment is and how it needs to be sustained for the future.
 
Young people from the college have been taking part in the project during lessons and through an after-school club named the Ramsey Ecological Development - R.E.D club.
 
The project, funded by Fens LeAP LEADER+ and Huntingdonshire District Council, has also incorporated site visits, development of educational curriculum material, and a field trip to learn more about sustainable energy as well as input from specialist advisers, such as environmental architects and planners.  

Claire Burton, Huntingdonshire District Councils Senior Rural Project Officer said; “The students have worked really hard on developing their ideas leading up to the exhibition.  Everyone involved was really pleased with the number of local residents who turned up and showed an interest in the work the young people have produced.”

Councillor Peter Bucknell whose executive responsibilities include planning and environment, attended the exhibition, he commented; “This project is an innovative way in which young people and the wider community can engage in the future sustainable development of their area. The exhibition was a great success, a big well done to everyone involved“.

A number of the students will now start to work with professionals to pull together a visualisation plan and identify concepts and principles for consideration in low carbon development.  At a later date the young people will present their findings to development control members at the council.  For more information you can e mail Claire Burton using the link on the right.