Forest of Dean school children funded to take part in Eco-Schools award
Children at 10 schools across the Forest of Dean are discovering ways they can help to care for the environment thanks to funding from Forest of Dean District Council, which has allowed them to take part in the internationally recognised Eco-Schools programme.
The programme introduces students of all ages to global environmental issues, which include waste, water, litter, biodiversity and energy, and encourages pupils to deliver eco-projects that will make their schools more sustainable, increase environmental learning and benefit their local communities.
Councillor Jackie Fraser, Cabinet Member for Environment at Forest of Dean District Council, said:
“We are delighted to be offering funding for the Eco-Schools programme for a second year. Through the award, the children are given opportunities to take part in all sorts of exciting projects and actions.
“Many young people care deeply about climate change and biodiversity loss, but they can be left feeling overwhelmed and powerless by such huge and seemingly unsolvable global issues. Eco-Schools gives them the opportunity to learn about small but significant actions they can take in their everyday lives to help, for example by composting, reducing energy use and nurturing a school garden.”
Primrose Hill C of E Primary Academy in Lydney is among the schools awarded funding this year, supporting a diverse range of engaging, eco-focused activities for pupils.
Students recently took part in the Great British Bird Watch and created homemade bird feeders to support local wildlife. The school has also introduced student energy monitors, who help reduce energy use by ensuring lights and whiteboards are switched off when not in use.
In addition, the school garden has seen a significant transformation, now featuring fruit trees, composting areas, water butts, and raised beds for growing vegetables – offering hands-on learning opportunities and promoting sustainability across the school community.
Emma Mignaud, Headteacher of Primrose Hill C of E Primary Academy, said:
“Our eco council has been very proactive in supporting the school to be more energy efficient. The children are ambassadors for our planet and are using their voices and their actions for good. Our vision at Primrose Hill C of E is ‘growing a brighter future together’ and our eco council are living our vision every day.”
The funding from the Forest of Dean District Council covers the £200 registration cost for the 10 local primary and secondary schools, as well as an additional £100 top-up per school to put towards equipment to support their chosen activities and projects.
Last year the Eco-Schools programme saw an incredible response from Forest of Dean schools. Along with the 497 young people recorded as taking part in a litter pick, 45 trees were planted, 575 outdoor plants and 68 natural habitats were either introduced or maintained, and 60 second-hand sales or swapping events were held.
Administered by the Keep Britain Tidy charity, Eco-Schools is flagged as the world’s largest schools' environmental programme.
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Forest of Dean Communications Team
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Photo shows: The eco-committee at Primrose Hill C of E Primary School, Lydney pictured with Headteacher Emma Mignaud (second from left at the back) and Cllr Jackie Fraser (second from right at the back).
Schools must complete seven steps to apply for the Green Flag, which include creating an eco-committee that meets regularly, holding an environmental review of their school, drawing up an action plan, informing the wider school about the committee’s work and learnings, monitoring, and evaluating projects in the action plan and creating an eco-code. Schools must also link climate change to at least three areas of curriculum learning during the year.