Lowestoft pupils get hands-on air quality lessons

Youngsters in Lowestoft have been getting hands‑on lessons about the hidden dangers in the air we breathe, thanks to a series of workshops run by East Suffolk Council.

The sessions, held on 17 and 18 March at Gunton Primary School and Westwood Primary School, targeted year five and six pupils as part of the council’s Air Quality Strategy, which was adopted in 2025.

Environmental Protection Officers led the classes, helping children understand where air pollution comes from and how small changes in daily habits can make a real difference. The workshops were developed alongside Natural England and other Suffolk local authorities.

One of the main messages was the value of active travel , walking, cycling or scooting to school instead of being driven. Officers also introduced Suffolk’s anti‑idling campaign, which asks drivers to turn off their engines while waiting.

The children took part in a practical activity, making their own air pollution catchers. They will use these at home to monitor local dust and smoke particles, then bring them back to class for discussion.

The council says the workshops are just one part of a wider push to improve air quality, which also includes sending educational resources to other schools in Lowestoft. By catching children early, officers hope to build lasting awareness of how everyone can help keep the air cleaner.

Fiona Quinn, Head of Environmental Services and Port Health at East Suffolk Council, said: ‘It’s great to see young people engaging with us to learn about the dangers of pollution. By giving young people the facts early, we want to help them to develop life-long habits on the things we can all do to make our air cleaner.

‘We also hope the workshops will spark conversations at home to encourage families to choose green methods of travels to and from school. With both schools taking part in the Big Walk and Wheel campaign, it’s brilliant to see pupils inspired to make active journeys to school, setting a positive example for the whole community to follow.’

Photo: East Suffolk Council