A Teignmouth primary school has achieved the highest-level schools green flag award for its sustainability efforts.

Hazeldown Primary School in Teignmouth was awarded a distinction level Eco Schools Green Flag, just a year after taking up the programme. The award recognises the work pupils put in to promote sustainability and environmental awareness among students, staff and the wider community.

Projects implemented by the pupil-led eco committee over the last 12 months, included holding a whole school no electronics day, upcycling old uniform to make cushion covers for the school library, adding more plants to classrooms, sowing wild flower seeds, renovating hedgehog homes and bug hotels, and taking part in the TRAIL recycled art project.

One of the eco committee members, eleven-year-old Jonathan Bamford, explained that he ‘couldn’t resist the opportunity to join the eco committee’ because he had always loved the environment. ‘My favourite part was installing new hedgehog houses in the forest school area,’ he added.

The eco committee, supported by teacher, Mrs Kathryn Whitford and a team of parent volunteers, came up with the project ideas after conducting a comprehensive review of their school environment and curriculum from a green perspective. Through the audit, they identified three main areas for action: litter and waste; energy; and the school grounds. They then worked together to decide where and how they could make a meaningful difference through a detailed and impactful year-long action plan.

The review and development of the action plan are part of the seven-step process to achieve the internationally recognised Eco Schools programme. However, the Hazeldown eco committee’s desire, to not only embrace but go beyond the required steps, to champion positive environmental behaviours and further develop the school’s sustainability journey resulted in them achieving a distinction level.

‘I have been amazed at the response and the effort of the eco committee to achieve so much in our first year,’ said Hazeldown teacher and eco schools coordinator Mrs Whitford. ‘The children’s efforts and dedication to each action have shown just what a forward thinking, hardworking and all inspiring group of children they are.’

The Eco-Schools programme has been inspiring young environmentalists since it was established in 1994. Over the last 30 years it has grown into a global movement, with Eco-Schools Green Flag accreditation awarded to schools in more than 100 countries. In England alone, the programme reaches over 1 million young people each year, empowering them to make a positive impact on our planet.

‘Every year we are amazed by the incredible efforts of young people working together to create a better future for all,’ commented Eco Schools England manager Adam Flint. ‘Their collective impact is truly remarkable. If everyone approached the climate crisis with the same level of passion and determination, we could resolve it much faster and make it a problem of the past. At Keep Britain Tidy, we are delighted to recognise their achievements with the Eco-Schools Green Flag.’