Woodlands Primary School pupils put Bemerton Heath in the national spotlight with community film

Children from Woodlands Primary School in Bemerton Heath, Salisbury, have seen their creative work recognised on a national stage after a film they helped produce was showcased at a prestigious conference exploring the future of communities and places.

The animated film, created by Year 4 and Year 5 pupils in collaboration with Stories in Dust, was presented at i-PLACE 26, the annual conference of the Key Cities Innovation Network.

The project forms part of the Salisbury Bemerton Pride in Place programme and gives young people an opportunity to share their experiences, ideas and hopes for the neighbourhood they call home.

Through storytelling and animation, the children explored what Bemerton Heath means to them, highlighting the things they value about their community and what they would like to see for its future.

The film was showcased at the national conference, hosted by the University of Southampton, which brought together representatives from local authorities, universities, civic organisations, research institutions and funding bodies.

This year's event focused on the theme of 'Liveable (and loveable) places', examining how culture, community, belonging and people's everyday experiences can contribute to creating successful and sustainable neighbourhoods.

The national presentation provided an opportunity to demonstrate how creative projects can give residents, particularly younger generations, a meaningful role in decisions about regeneration, investment and improvements to their local area.

Cllr Helen Belcher, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, praised the achievement and the contribution made by the pupils.

She said: "This is a fantastic achievement and recognition for everyone involved in this project. The film demonstrates the value of engaging with communities early in the process and ensuring local people have a genuine voice in shaping the future of their neighbourhoods."

She added that having the film presented to national leaders and decision-makers was recognition of the creativity, insight and enthusiasm shown by the children.

Matthew Kitley, Headteacher at Woodlands Primary School, said the project had been a brilliant experience for the pupils involved.

He explained that the initiative had given Year 4 and Year 5 children a unique opportunity to communicate their experiences, perspectives and feelings about the community they live in.

He also highlighted how the experience had helped develop the children's confidence, creativity and pride in Bemerton Heath.

Anna Harriott from Stories in Dust said the young people had approached the project with honesty and enthusiasm, embracing the opportunity to have their voices heard.

She described it as a privilege to work with the pupils and said it had been encouraging to see the impact their film was already having.

The conference also explored the wider role of arts and creative projects in helping communities communicate their experiences and influence decisions about the places where they live.

Professor Jane Falkingham CBE, Vice-President (International and Global Engagement) at the University of Southampton and Vice-Chair of the Key Cities Innovation Network, described the Woodlands Primary School film as a powerful example of place innovation in practice.

She said giving young people a meaningful platform to share their experiences demonstrated how communities could play a central role in shaping their own futures.

Tom Belshaw, Chair of the Salisbury Bemerton Community Board, also welcomed the project, highlighting the importance of listening to children and young people when setting local Pride in Place priorities.

The project reflects the community-led approach behind the Salisbury Bemerton Pride in Place programme, which aims to ensure residents have a voice in shaping the future of their neighbourhood.

For the pupils involved, having their work recognised at a national conference represents an opportunity to show how the perspectives of local children can contribute to wider conversations about community development.

Their film also highlights the importance of ensuring that the next generation is included in discussions about the future of Bemerton Heath.