Local MP, Huw Merriman, joined with scientists and the stars of the future at Herstmonceux Observatory Science Centre for the nationwide ‘Operation Earth’ initiative. 

Operation Earth is a year-long national programme which aims to engage, inspire and involve school-age children and their families with world-leading environmental science research. The programme highlights the impact on environmental science to everyone’s daily lives and to society's future. 

Herstmonceux Observatory Science Centre is one of eleven Science and Discovery Centres across the UK who are delivering the programme, which includes an interactive show and a range of hands-on activities. Highlights include meeting ‘Earthy’ during a health check, testing the air around us in the mobile air testing lab, collecting unwanted plastic from the sea and learning how to encourage insects and pollinators to flourish.

Mr Merriman, who is Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Bees and Pollinators, hailed the event as a ‘fantastic opportunity to engage young people with earth’s challenges’. The MP said ‘This brilliant initiative starkly highlighted the difficulties which generations will have to deal with if action is not taken. To then demonstrate what all of us can do, in a practical and fun manner, will, I hope, inspire us all to do our bit. I was so I impressed, I returned a few days later for another show.