Cornwall Heritage Trust is encouraging primary schools in Cornwall, which are struggling with the rising costs of transport for class trips, to apply for support through its School Transport Grants Scheme in partnership with Cornish Lithium.

The independent charity offers financial support to Cornish primary schools to fund the costs of petrol and vehicle hire for visits to heritage sites in Cornwall. 

Cornwall Heritage Trust CEO, Cathy Woolcock said: "When we launched this scheme in 2014, we asked schools what the biggest barrier to visiting heritage sites was and the vast majority told us it was the cost of transport. We know that's only getting tougher in the current economic climate and that's why it's so important to us that we continue to help!"

"Right now, our schools are facing an unprecedented strain on their budgets and sadly, enrichment activities like trips are all too often the first things to be cut when times are hard. We get such amazing feedback from the schools who apply to us for grants so we know how much children benefit from the experience of visiting these special Cornish places and learning about their heritage." Cathy added.

Since Cornwall Heritage Trust's School Transport Grants Scheme was introduced, these grants have funded 540 trips and helped nearly 22,500 Cornish primary school children.

This academic year's grants are being made possible by a partnership with Cornish Lithium. Based in Penryn, the pioneering mineral exploration and development company focuses on the environmentally-responsible extraction of lithium from geothermal waters and hard rock in Cornwall. Lithium is a vital component of batteries used for electric vehicles and energy storage and is therefore critical to the global goal of decarbonisation and the transition to a green economy.

Lucy Crane, ESG & Sustainability Manager at Cornish Lithium said: "At Cornish Lithium, we combine historical detective work with modern technology to learn from the past how we can innovate for the future. By sponsoring this important initiative, we aim to give Cornish school children the opportunity to engage with the amazing heritage on our doorstep, to help bring Cornwall's rich history to life, and to inspire a new generation of pioneers."

To find out more about Cornwall Heritage Trust's School Transport Grants Scheme, Click here: https://www.cornwallheritagetrust.org/learn/transport-grants/