TEN schools across the Forest of Dean have received funding from the District Council to take part in the internationally recognised Eco Schools programme, giving hundreds of children the chance to take action on climate change and biodiversity loss.

The £3,000 scheme covers registration fees and additional equipment costs, supporting a wide range of environmental projects including school gardens, energy saving campaigns and wildlife conservation.

One of the schools taking part is Primrose Hill C of E Primary Academy in Lydney, where pupils have taken part in the Great British Bird Watch and made bird feeders, while new fruit trees and composting areas have been added to the school grounds.

Headteacher Emma Mignaud said: “Our eco council has been very proactive in supporting the school to be more energy efficient. The children are ambassadors for our planet and are using their voices and their actions for good.

“Our vision at Primrose Hill is ‘growing a brighter future together’ and our eco council are living our vision every day.”

The Eco Schools programme, run by Keep Britain Tidy, introduces students to key global issues such as energy use, waste, water, litter and biodiversity. To achieve the Green Flag award, schools must form an eco committee, conduct an environmental review, take action and promote change throughout the school community.

Councillor Jackie Fraser, cabinet member for environment at Forest of Dean District Council, said: “We are delighted to be offering funding for the Eco Schools programme for a second year.

“Many young people care deeply about climate change and biodiversity loss, but they can be left feeling overwhelmed and powerless by such huge and seemingly unsolvable global issues.

“Eco Schools gives them the opportunity to learn about small but significant actions they can take in their everyday lives to help, for example by composting, reducing energy use and nurturing a school garden.”