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EducationEducation is very important to the Geopark, these Associate Partners allow us to express the Geopark through learning and teaching. SUSTAINABLE EARTH INSTITUTE 
The Sustainable Earth Institute is about promoting a new way of thinking about the future of our world. They bring researchers together with businesses, community groups and individuals to develop cutting-edge research and innovative approaches that build resilience to global challenges. They also link diverse research areas across the University including science, engineering, arts, humanities, health and business.
‘At a time when climate change and habitat destruction threaten the long-time health of the planet and those living on it, connecting people with the natural world has never been more vital. The English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark presents SEI with a wonderful way to make real those connections, linking the science of the natural environment directly to Torbay's economic, social, and cultural well-being’.
Contact number: 01752 585599 Website: www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/institutes/sustainable-earth
TALEBLAZERS 
Taleblazers is a social enterprise which promotes and celebrates folklore, natural history and heritage, particularly in the Torbay and South Devon area. We offer bespoke storytelling and heritage workshops for schools, based around local stories and natural history. We also run regular public events including Geopark interpretation walks, National Navigation Awards and run John Muir Award programmes for families. We have our own podcast and YouTube channel, and spend time gathering and retelling stories form the local area, partnering with other organisations on heritage projects. Finally, we run programmes for students with special educational needs. We are a new organisation but our founders have always been enthusiastic supporters of the Geopark and we are delighted to be involved as Associate Partners.
GROUNDWORK 
Groundwork’s vision is of a society of sustainable communities which are vibrant healthy and safe which , respect the local and global environment and where individuals and enterprise prosper. In Torbay we manage two projects on behalf of SWISCo. Our Torbay Open Spaces project enables us to support local residence to have a say and become part of community groups taking action to enhance local green spaces. We have a strong focus on youth advocacy and are currently working with local primary and secondary school schools connecting students to their natural environment, learning about natural wildlife habitats and plant biodiversity and how their generation can take social action to tackle climate change. Our other SWISCo funded project is Westerland Valley Country Park a 35 acre site which is a hidden green gem located on the urban fringe of Paignton. Groundwork is working to sensitively enhance and revitalise the site by implementing strategically important flood defence scheme, improving the ecological value of the park and creating more inclusive access and recreational opportunities. As a partner of Imagine This, we also deliver Cool Climate sessions to young people offering them the opportunity to better understand the climate change emergency and inspiring them to take action and make positive changes. We also manage the Green Influencers scheme on behalf of Ernest Cook Trust which has seen over 120 young people enjoying the local parks and raising funds and awareness for new projects and possibilities. For example creating pollinator patches for the local wildlife and residence to enjoy, purchasing pond dipping equipment for some exciting adventure in local ponds and lakes. www.groundwork.org.uk/hubs/south TORBAY CLIMATE ACTION CIC 
TORBAY CLIMATE ACTION CIC is a grassroots purpose-led Community Interest Company formed by a group of passionate and concerned citizens in response to Torbay Council declaring a Climate Emergency in 2019. We aim to bring together individuals and organisations in Torbay to educate, inspire and create positive action to prepare for the changing climate. Our 3 main aims are: Creating Climate-Positive Community, offering Carbon Literacy Training and Local Authority engagement to scale up the change needed to protect and regenerate our wonderful Bay. |