A student from Weymouth is harnessing the power of flowers to finance an upcoming school expedition of extraordinary magnitude. Daniel Bushell, a student at Budmouth Academy, is embarking on a four-week adventure to Borneo in July 2025, organized by his school. This journey, encompassing a group of twenty students, promises a profound exploration of Borneo’s lush jungle ecosystem and tropical expanses during a five-day trek.
More than just an exploration, this expedition is a platform for environmental stewardship and learning about orangutan conservation. Participants will immerse themselves in the rural village life, collaborating with local communities in initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable development.
To defray the considerable £5,000 expenses associated with the expedition, Daniel is undertaking a novel approach—he’s cultivating and selling plants. With a vision to sell a thousand pots containing perennial seeds such as cornflowers, lupins, and sedums, Daniel’s venture kicks off in June.
In addition to his botanical endeavor, Daniel is exploring other avenues for fundraising, including selling old Lego pieces. However, his efforts received a substantial boost when Dorset recycling company, Eco Sustainable Solutions, generously donated two 1m³ bulk bags of multi-purpose compost, each weighing approximately half a tonne.
Expressing gratitude for the donation, Daniel described it as “very generous.” His father, Paul, who is actively involved in the fundraising efforts, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We’re just completely overwhelmed.”
Eco Sustainable Solutions, established in 1995 and based in Dorset, is renowned for its pioneering efforts in recycling organic waste from Dorset, Hampshire, and Wiltshire. With a yearly recycling capacity exceeding 250,000 tonnes, the company converts this waste into green energy and premium landscape products. Employing 58 individuals and boasting an annual turnover of £17 million, Eco Sustainable Solutions operates from sites in Parley, Piddlehinton, and Weymouth.
Bryony Hammond, Eco’s brand and communications executive, emphasized the company’s pleasure in supporting Daniel’s fundraising endeavors. “We’re only too happy to help Daniel in his fundraising initiative and hope the plants raise lots of money towards his trip to Borneo,” Hammond stated.
