Warwickshire schools win Eco Schools Funding
Twelve lucky schools are to receive up to £1,000 each to carry out Eco Schools projects in Warwickshire.
The money has been awarded to Warwickshire County Council by Encams, and is to help schools gain ‘Green Flag’ status, which is the top award.
The 12 schools are: Bilton Junior, Birchwood Primary, Bishops Itchington Primary, Brookhurst Primary, Campion School, Emscote Infant, Harbury Primary, Haselor School, High Meadow Infants, Ilmington Primary, Myton School and Sydenham Primary.
To win the funding schools had to submit bids showing how their projects would help the environment, reduce wastage and save money. They also had to show how the money would be spent.
Many different project ideas were submitted by schools, for example, building a well in Sierra Leone, installing a wind turbine, fitting sprinkler taps in school cloakrooms to save water, installing a wireless weather monitoring station, creating an organic garden and building a school pond and wildlife area.
It was a difficult job determining which schools should be awarded funding, but help was sought from Warwickshire’s Youth Forum who did a brilliant job in allocating the money.
Councillor Martin Heatley, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said: “The type and quality of the projects submitted was excellent. It is very pleasing to know that Warwickshire schools can be so innovative, and can come up with projects, which will have a lasting effect on the environment, and provide a sustainable future for schools and their communities.
“The Eco Schools programme is an example of best environmental practice in schools, and is the best way to provide education about sustainability at ‘grass roots’ level. We would like all Warwickshire schools to take part in the scheme and to show us what they really can do to protect their environment for the future.”
Barbara Golding, Eco Schools Officer for Warwickshire County Council, said: “I am extremely pleased to be able to offer this money to schools. It will enable them to push forward with the programme and carry out projects they would otherwise not have been able to put in place.
“I would also like to thank all Eco Schools in Warwickshire for helping to make the programme a success, and for integrating the scheme into everyday curriculum work and into the ethos of their schools. A big thank you goes to everyone for their hard work, and I look forward to seeing the projects implemented, and schools gaining their ‘Green Flags’.”
If you would like to register for the Eco Schools programme please go to:
http://www.eco-schools.org.uk where you can sign up online.
For more information please contact Barbara Golding, Eco Schools Officer, Tel: 01926 418065 or go to: http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/ecoschools