Lanes shares expertise with teachers to fight fatbergs

Lanes Group plc is working with the UK’s leading teaching support specialists to help educate children about problems caused by fatbergs in drains and sewers.

It has co-hosted a Twitter chat with Twinkl Educational Publishing to discuss fatbergs- major sewer blockages caused primarily by fats, oils and wipes – to raise awareness about their causes and how to prevent them.

Lanes took part in a #TwinklTeach chat on the social media platform. The hour-long session gave teachers a chance to view information and resources, and to ask questions about fatbergs.

Lanes Group plc already has its own school education programme, Fatberg Fighters, aimed at engaging with school children aged 5 to 11, to discourage behaviours that lead to the creation of fatbergs. It includes cartoon characters like Freddie Fatberg to help bring the issue to life for young children.

Teachers across the UK regularly use #TwinklTeach on Twitter to hear from experts, share ideas, and access new material that they can incorporate in lessons.

Katrina Halford, Twinkl Partnerships Manager, said: “Here at Twinkl our mission is to help those who teach, so this was a fabulous opportunity to engage with Lanes Group during Science Week to help raise awareness of this issue.”

Fatbergs raise key issues and themes that dovetail well with many school subjects, including science, geography, sociology, and environmental studies.

As one of the key organisations tackling the problem on the front line, Lanes Group has a lot to offer in terms of bringing to life a topic that is clearly fascinating for many people, children included.

A fatberg is a congealed mass of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) mixed with disposable wipes and other waste matter that builds up in sewers and drains, blocking the flow of water. They form, mainly, because people wrongly dispose of FOG and wipes down drains and toilets.

Lanes wastewater engineers, working for Thames Water, were tasked with removing the infamous 130-tonne Whitechapel Fatberg – now the subject of an exhibition at the Museum of London.

During the #TwinklTeach chat, Lanes Head of Marketing Michelle Ringland answered key questions, explaining what happens to substances poured down sinks, and how to trigger pupil interest in fatbergs.

Michelle Ringland said Lanes wanted to use possible means we help prevent the build-up of fatbergs, which cost tens of millions of pounds in additional sewer cleaning and repair costs every year.

She added: “We are working with water companies across the UK to educate the public about not putting FOG and wipes into the sewer system.

“We also see helping teachers to educate young children as an excellent way to encourage good behaviours at an early age. Our work in schools shows children are fascinated by fatbergs and love to learn about anything to do with poo.

“The subject really captures their imaginations. Teachers also say children go home and persuade parents to change their waste disposal habits as well.

“We look forward to working with Twinkl Educational Publishing again. We would also be happy to hear from any schools or teachers who want to make use of our Fatberg Fighters lesson plan and resources.”