Young Eco-Committee Inspired by COP26

A group of children at school in Oxshott have been inspired by the COP26 Climate Change Conference and have been straight out to the vegetable patch on their return to school after half-term.

After obtaining the Bronze Eco-Schools award in January 2020, the children and teachers at Danes Hill School are keen to focus this term on the small things that will make all the difference.

This week, the children were tasked with preparing the garden patch to plant new vegetables and herbs, working hard removing weeds and preparing the soil. All food grown in the vegetable patch will be prepared by the kitchen chefs and served to the children as part of their lunch.

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In response to the government’s target that every school should be a sustainable school by 2020, Danes Hill School set up the eco committee in 2007 with the aim of becoming an 'eco school'. This year has been highly successful for the eco committee.

They've increased the number of green recycling bins within the school, whilst continuing to collect recycling on a weekly basis. They launched a nature photography competition, which encouraged pupils to head outside and appreciate their local environment. They have also planted over 300 trees on the Danes Hill School site.

Rob Andrews, acting head at Danes Hill School said: “I am very proud of the Eco Committee at Danes Hill, their commitment and passion is infectious.”

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One Year 5 pupil commented at the vegetable patch, "I love the eco committee, it’s really fun and each time we do something different to help the environment. I hope to be in the committee until I leave Danes Hill, to continue to help our vegetables grow and help the environment".

To find out more about Danes Hill School and ethos of being eco-friendly, visit www.daneshillschool.co.uk.