As fuel prices continue to soar, Cornwall Heritage Trust is encouraging primary schools in Cornwall struggling with the costs of transport for heritage trips to apply for support through its School Transport Grants Scheme.
This financial support offers funding towards the costs of fuel and vehicle hire for class visits, which aim to develop awareness and appreciation of Cornish heritage and history.
The grants are available for visits to the historic sites Cornwall Heritage Trust looks after, as well as trips to any museum, ancient monument or historic place in Cornwall to learn about Cornish heritage.
Cornish Lithium is the foundation sponsor for this academic year’s grants. The mineral exploration and development company has supported the charity’s School Transport Grants Scheme for a number of years.
Cornwall Heritage Trust CEO, Cathy Woolcock, said: “It’s been over a decade since we launched this funding, and in the current economic climate, the demand has become greater than ever before. The cost of transport continues to be one of the biggest barriers to schools visiting a heritage site, with it costing, on average, around £400 for every trip they run. The feedback we get from those apply to us for grants underlines the huge impact that these experiences have on students and why it’s so important to keep funding them.””
“Our independent charity invests a significant amount in this scheme, but rising costs and demand make it a challenge to provide the level of grants that schools need. Cornish Lithium’s sponsorship, therefore, makes a huge difference and we’re incredibly grateful for their ongoing support.”
Zoe Carter, ESG Engagement Lead at Cornish Lithium, said: “We are pleased to be a long-term foundation sponsor of Cornwall Heritage Trust’s School Transport Grants Scheme, which continues to have a hugely positive impact on children across Cornwall. As transport costs increase, this funding has become more important than ever for schools trying to provide enriching heritage trips. Cornish Lithium is committed to supporting initiatives that benefit local communities, and our partnership with Cornwall Heritage Trust is a key part of that commitment.”
Since Cornwall Heritage Trust’s School Transport Grants Scheme was introduced in 2014, over 25,000 children have benefited from the funding, which has enabled over 600 school trips to 42 heritage sites across Cornwall to take place.
