More Forest of Dean schools invited to join award-winning Eco-Schools programme
Schools across the Forest of Dean are being invited to take part in the internationally recognised Eco-Schools programme for the 2026/27 academic year, with Forest of Dean District Council once again providing funding to encourage participation.
The council's support includes covering registration costs and providing an additional £100 per school to fund environmental projects and resources, helping more children learn about sustainability while taking practical action in their schools and communities.
Councillor Jackie Fraser, Cabinet Member for Environment at Forest of Dean District Council, said:
"We're really pleased to be supporting Eco-Schools again this year and helping more local schools get involved.
"It's been fantastic to see what schools across the Forest of Dean have achieved over the last 12 months. Whether it's creating spaces for wildlife, cutting down on waste, encouraging greener ways to travel or getting involved in their local communities, pupils have shown real enthusiasm for looking after the environment and making a positive difference.
"What I particularly like about Eco-Schools is that it puts young people in the driving seat. It gives them the chance to take their ideas and turn them into something meaningful, while showing them that even small actions can add up to make a big impact. I'm excited to see the projects and ideas that come out of this year's programme."
The funding follows another successful year for the programme, during which five Forest of Dean schools achieved the prestigious Eco-Schools Green Flag award, an internationally recognised accreditation for excellence in environmental education and action.
The schools received praise from Eco-Schools assessors for the creativity, enthusiasm and leadership shown by pupils.
At Primrose Hill C of E Primary Academy, pupils were recognised for helping secure a new bike shelter to encourage sustainable travel, achieving RHS Gardening Awards and building strong partnerships with organisations including Lydney Town Council and Bream Gardening Society.
Coalway Junior School was commended for its litter-picking initiative, with one class collecting 12 bags of rubbish, alongside creative curriculum projects that linked environmental learning with art and biodiversity.
At Woolaston Primary School, assessors praised its whole-school approach, including biodiversity projects, wildlife-friendly areas and environmental learning that helped pupils develop a stronger connection with nature.
The Eco-Schools programme is administered by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy and is the largest school environmental programme in the world, with millions of young people taking part globally each year.
Schools interested in taking part in the 2026/27 programme can contact Forest of Dean District Council at [email protected]