Westholme School has been awarded the Eco-Schools Green Flag with Merit after a concerted effort by the whole school to change their environmental output.
The Lancashire independent school, who are currently celebrating their centenary year in education, were awarded the commendation by the Eco-Schools programme after implementing the seven-step framework required by the charity.
Since 1994, Eco-Schools have awarded their Green Flag to certify a school’s contribution to the environment. The programme encourages schools to adopt sustainable practices and empower students to take the lead in environmental projects.
Westholme’s Eco-Committee is driven by students from 4 to 18 years, supported by four members of staff.
Eco-Schools commended Westholme for being inclusive and demonstrating “a whole school approach to the programme and a commitment to environmental education and pupil-led eco-action.”
Westholme’s elected areas of environmental impact are biodiversity, healthy living and school grounds.
The students targeted the three areas and one of the achievements involved planting 420 trees and creating a sensory garden on the school grounds. Westholme also learnt about food waste and how to reduce it from their caterers Thomas Franks as part of their ‘surplus to purpose’ initiative.
Students created a logo and an Eco-Code towards a ‘better environment, better life,’ which were also commended by the charity.
Naomi Davies, head of the Eco Committee project at Westholme, said: “Becoming an Eco-School will have wonderful benefits for our community. It instils leadership and teamwork skills, placing students at the forefront of our environmental impact.
“Students have already been able to teach and inspire each other as well as staff members. As our environmental action progresses, they will also have opportunities to inform the wider community about why it is so important to be eco-friendly.”
Eco-Schools praised the committee for their collaboration, both within school by getting many members on board, and within the community by involving BBC Radio Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen Council and the student’s successful bid to join the Blackburn with Darwen Council Climate Summit.
The Eco-Schools Green Flag is an annual certification that requires annual renewal, ensuring that the commitment is continued beyond the initial award.
The charity added: “Thanks for applying for an Eco-Schools Award, the submission was innovative, impactful, and inspirational.”