West Thames College has taken a proactive step in community engagement and environmental stewardship through its partnership with the Lampton Group’s Green Gym initiative.
Initially launched in June 2024, the initiative, known as ViPs – Volunteers in Parks, saw Level 1 Pre-employment ESOL students embark on an enriching journey in Jersey Gardens. This social action project connects sustainability, wellbeing, employability, and active citizenship, offering students both practical and personal growth through hands-on conservation work.
At its core, the project aims to enhance local biodiversity and increase accessibility to green spaces, inviting more community members to enjoy the outdoors. The venture allows students to contribute positively to local conservation efforts, learning about the rich biodiversity within their own neighbourhood while honing essential soft skills. This outreach also fosters a deeper understanding of the growing green industry, a key sector in London's economy, while strengthening students' ties to their community.
Following the project's success last year, our College expanded its involvement this academic year, welcoming a broader group of students, including two large ESOL Adult classes under lecturers Hayat and Olcay. The initiative has also branched out to new conservation sites, such as Hounslow Heath Nature Reserve, where students participated in a critical project to protect the rare “heater” plant, threatened by invasive weeds.
Reflecting on the experience, ESOL lecturer Olcay Hallawell noted the unique opportunity the project provided for students to gain confidence, acquire new vocabulary related to nature, and learn practical skills using horticultural equipment.
She shared: “The students learned how to identify the ‘heater’ plant and carefully removed weeds around it. The experience allowed them to practice English in a relaxed, real-world setting, engaging with volunteers and each other.”
This collaboration with the Lampton Group is more than a conservation effort; it is a platform for growth, fostering a stronger sense of belonging among students while equipping them with skills relevant to a greener, more sustainable London.
