Young people from North Yorkshire have come together to discuss the environment and pinpoint changes they would make in their own school communities for a greener future.
North Yorkshire Council’s energy and sustainability team delivered a climate change event for school children from across the county at RHS garden Harlow Carr in Harrogate, where they took part in workshops and activities focusing on positive actions they and their schools can take to help the environment.
Pupils attending the event were from Boroughbridge Primary School, Cambrai Primary School in Catterick Garrison, Cowling Community Primary School near Skipton, Kildwick Church of England Primary School, Marton-Cum-Grafton Primary School, North Rigton Church of England Primary School and Thornton-in-Craven Community Primary School.
The children completed a range of activities in their workshops learning about energy efficiency and cutting carbon with the council’s very own superhero “Power Down Pete”, who was played by North Yorkshire Council’s school’s carbon reduction officer, Peter Bell, as well as exploring choices and consequences for the climate with Liz Roodhouse from Craven Development Education Centre.
They also spent time exploring nature and used the outstanding facilities and surroundings of RHS garden Harlow Carr. This was further backed up with learning activities with the Hidden Nature Challenge run by the RHS National Nature Park team.
The event came to a fitting end celebrating the achievements of pupils from Boroughbridge Primary School who were awarded with the coveted Eco-Schools Green Flag Award for their commitment to sustainability and climate change.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for climate change, Cllr Greg White, said: “Given climate change will affect us all, it is vital that young people are engaged in environmental issues and feel empowered and involved about the positive future of our planet.
“The hands-on activities were a fantastic insight into how much of an impact their schools can make to becoming more eco-friendly and to cultivating a greener future. Well done to all the pupils who took part.”
The council’s climate champion, Cllr Paul Haslam, added: “We are delighted to celebrate Boroughbridge Primary School being awarded their Eco-Schools Green Flag award.
“We hope many more schools across the county will follow suit and achieve the internationally recognised symbol for environmental excellence in the coming years.
“Children are our future in so many ways. It’s truly impressive what children, staff and the wider community have been doing to help reduce their own carbon footprints and support their local environment.”
Some North Yorkshire schools can apply for Green Flag funding through the council’s energy team to achieve their own Green Flag award. You can check your eligibility by emailing energy.team@northyorks.gov.uk
Find out more about the Eco Schools programme at https://www.eco-schools.org.uk/