Thanks to a generous grant from Lincolnshire County Council, which funded the purchase of 800 tree saplings, Councillor Amanda Wheeler coordinated two tree planting sessions, uniting individuals from local schools, Stamford Scouts and the local public. Together, they transformed the top boundary fence of the cemetery on Radcliffe Road, with maple, hawthorn, hazel, blackthorn, guelder rose, and dog rose shrubbery.

Assistant Principal of Student Experience and Support at Stamford College, Julie Addison shared, “Stamford and Peterborough Colleges play a vital role in shaping the fabric of the local communities we serve. Through initiatives like the tree planting project, and our ongoing involvement in ‘Good for Me, Good for FE,’ we’re not just educating students, we’re empowering them to be active, caring members of society”.

The national campaign, ‘Good for Me, Good for FE’, drives a sustainable programme of community action among further education Colleges. Staff and students from Inspire Education Group have participated in a diverse range of volunteering and fundraising activities in the last year.

Stamford College Level 2 Creative Media Production & Technology students contributed ideas to the Stamford Town Council Climate Action Committee website, while Bricklaying and Construction students, led by Lecturer Tom Deignan, volunteered their labour and skillset to the build of the Milan Peace Garden Project. At the Peterborough campus, Visual Arts students followed a professional work experience brief to create Christmas card designs for the mental health charity, ‘Don’t Lose Hope’, while IEG staff members, Cat Bevan and Millie Lynch, completed the Mighty Hike, raising £1575.41 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Stamford College students’ involvement in the tree planting project serves as testament to the transformative power of Colleges, beyond the classroom. Inspire Education Group extends its gratitude to Stamford Town Council, for coordinating a brilliant example of Stamford’s community spirit.