Published on Friday 14 March 2025
A powerful new animation is set to engage school children and their families across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, highlighting the dangers of air pollution and encouraging positive changes in travel behaviour.
The animation, part of BCP Council’s Clean Air Schools project, was created by local animator Rowena Sheehan in collaboration with BCP Council’s sustainable travel team and Sustrans, and is designed to raise awareness of how air pollution affects young people, particularly the 1 in 11 children in the UK who have asthma.
Funded by DEFRA’s Air Quality Fund, the Clean Air Schools project is part of a wider £120,000 investment in air quality improvement initiatives by BCP Council. Working alongside active travel charity Sustrans, the project aims to increase active travel and cut engine idling outside schools, improving air quality and protecting children’s health.
Councillor Andy Hadley, Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy at BCP Council, said: “Air pollution is an invisible but serious problem, especially for children. This animation is a fantastic way to help children, and their families understand the impact of air quality and how small changes, like switching off car engines or choosing active travel, can make a big difference. Plus, choosing to walk, wheel or cycle to school can be a brilliant start to the day.”
The animation will be showcased at upcoming Clean Air themed weeks at St Edwards School in Poole on 17 March and Bourne Academy in Bournemouth on 24 March, run by Sustrans. It will also be featured at Bournemouth University’s sustainability event on 26 March.
Animator Rowena Sheehan said: “It’s been a privilege to work on this project and create something visually engaging and informative for local schools. Air pollution is a serious issue, but animation allows us to present it in a way that children can easily understand and share with their families.”
The animation will be promoted via school communications, ensuring it reaches as many families as possible. Headteachers across the conurbation will also receive information on how to use the animation as an educational resource in their schools, alongside the council’s clean air kit for teachers
Find out more about the Clean Air Schools project at: https://www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/Environment/Air-quality/Reducing-pollution.aspx