Let's Talk Trash Festival

Braxted Park Estate has hosted the region’s first ‘Let’s Talk Trash’ Festival which saw over 300 students aged 11-13 flock to the grounds of the estate to take part in a number of engaging activities designed to shift behavioural change around littering.

Throughout the day, Plume Academy students took part in seven interactive zones where they enjoyed a quiz and bird feeder building with Essex Wildlife Trust, immersive theatre from Big Wheel Theatre Company and an array of hands-on activities including creating bug hotels and analysing the wildlife found in Braxted Park’s lakes.

As part of the day’s activities, students learnt about what happens to our litter when it does go in the bin and how Maldon is home to one of the most advanced AI-led recycling plants in the world. Big Green Recycling’s robots sort over 1,000 pieces of rubbish per minute and Braxted Park was delighted to host the robots at the event and invite students to participate in a Wheelie Bin Challenge for some memorable learning.

“The team and I were delighted to host such an important and motivating event at Braxted Park Estate, all made possible thanks to the ECC Climate Action Challenge Fund," said owner Duncan Clark. “I am greatly saddened by the littering around our Essex countryside and am delighted to do anything that helps educate young people to take the decisions required to reverse the trend. The festival was a huge success, and it was encouraging to see so many students leave feeling inspired to make a stand for the future of our region’s green spaces. We envision the ‘Let’s Talk Trash’ Festival as a recurring annual event.

The event was held in collaboration with Maldon District Council, Essex County Council and Plume Academy.