The Octopus by Rushden Academy

At Rushden Lakes, we're passionate about supporting sustainability initiatives and working with our local community, so we were delighted to collaborate with Rushden Academy on an inspiring project designed to raise awareness of plastic pollution.

The project began when the Academy approached us to explore ways we could work together on an environmental initiative. Inspired by a shared commitment to reducing waste and encouraging recycling, an exciting idea was born.

Plastic bottles collected through Shellbert Bottlesby, the giant turtle recycling sculpture located at Rushden Lakes, were donated to the students. Using these recycled materials, the students worked together to design and create an impressive giant octopus sculpture, helping to highlight the impact that plastic waste can have on our oceans and marine life.

The finished piece is certainly hard to miss. Its scale, creativity and powerful environmental message make it a fantastic addition to Central Boulevard and a thought-provoking reminder of the importance of recycling and reducing single-use plastics.

To celebrate the completion of the sculpture, we hosted a special gathering at Rushden Lakes. Students, teachers and their families joined us to see the artwork unveiled, alongside members of the Rushden Lakes Centre Management Team, The Crown Estate and representatives from the Savills Sustainability Team. It was a proud moment for everyone involved and a fitting celebration of the students' hard work, creativity and commitment to raising awareness of an important environmental issue.

The sculpture wasn't the only outcome of the project. Alongside creating the octopus, students also wrote a series of poems focused on plastic pollution and its impact on the environment. These thoughtful and inspiring pieces have now been displayed in selected store windows across Rushden Lakes for visitors to enjoy.

As you explore the destination, keep an eye out for the poems and don't forget to scan the QR code displayed alongside them to vote for your favourite. It's a wonderful opportunity to support the students while learning more about the importance of protecting our planet.

We would like to thank everyone at Rushden Academy for their enthusiasm, creativity and dedication throughout the project. It has been fantastic to see everyday recycled materials transformed into something so meaningful, while inspiring conversations about sustainability within our community.

Projects like this demonstrate the power of collaboration and show how small actions, such as recycling a plastic bottle, can contribute to something much bigger. We look forward to working with more local schools and community groups on future initiatives that support creativity, education and environmental awareness. ♻️🐙🌍