Our eagle-eyed pupils will be using the charity’s litter grabbers on the way to and from Bushy Park as they complete a 10k sponsored walk on 27th June in aid of this year’s Senior School nominated charity SPEAR, which helps people experiencing homelessness in South West London.

“I’m really looking forward to litter picking with the Thirds,” says Habitats & Heritage Nature Conservation Officer Charlotte Harris, Class of 2013. “It’s such a practical way to make a difference and a great entrance way into nature conservation and volunteering for the local community.”

The charity, which takes care of the landscape, wildlife, ecosystems and heritage of south and west London, was co-founded by Vicky Phillips, Class of 1980, who is just about to retire as its Business/Projects Manager.

“I discovered my passion for nature when I was a pupil at LEH,” says Vicky.  “I can recall wading about in the Longford River, catching sticklebacks and playing in the Hedge Houses. So, it’s wonderful for Habitats & Heritage to establish links with LEH and help inspire the next generation to look after our local ecosystems to ensure nature and wildlife have a safe space to thrive.” For more of their LEH memories, please see the related story on our Holles Connect news pages.

LEH Volunteering Coordinator, Uday Patel, is appealing to LEH alumnae to help with fundraising.  He says: “All of the students in the Thirds will be taking part in the sponsored walk in Bushy Park and we’d really appreciate your support. Last year we raised nearly £2,000 and it would be amazing to repeat that this year.  If you would like to support this local charitable cause, we are collecting sponsorship through the following JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/leh-3rds-sponsored-walk. Thank you in advance for any support you can give.”