During assemblies on Thursday and Friday this week, we were delighted to welcome Tom Parkin from Durham Wildlife Trust to deliver some key messages about a project that he is doing in the local area called ‘Nextdoor Nature’. Tom discussed with students the different types of habitats that are in the area local to school, including Backhouse and Barley Mow Parks, the Hendon Promenade, and the urban habitat of Villette Road. Tom wanted to take the opportunity to introduce himself to the students as they may see him in the local area working on various projects to connect the community with nature and how they are working to improve the local area which students are encouraged to get involved in. This links to our termly theme of respect – and particularly respect for the local environment.