Proud pupils fly eco-flag

Pupils at Barnham Primary School have spent more than three years building up its environmental credentials.

Their efforts '“ with support from teachers and parents '“ has led it to become an eco-school with its first Eco-Flag. This was presented by the environmental charity Encams to recognise the school's success in 'green' issues.

Current eco-committee chairman Courtney French (10) joined her predecessors, Harlan Geraets (12) and Robert Walker (12), in proudly hoisting the flag. It is flying on a specially built flagpole in front of the school's entrance.

Courtney said that issues such as recycling paper, composting left-over fruit and vegetables and careful use of natural resources were important to her generation.

"Saving water and electricity and recycling are going to be a big part of our lives. We have got to do something. We can't leave things the way they are '“ we would be ruining our world," she stated.

Her vice-chairman, Hannah Dickinson (9), said: "We're really proud of our flag. We have worked hard all these years for it and it has always been our goal. This shows we have met our targets."

Encams sets nine environmental tests which a school must pass to be eligible for an Eco-flag. They also have to succeed in bronze and silver stages before they receive the flag.

School eco-governor Judy Haig said the primary school's projects included biodiversity for which a wildlife garden was created in its Elm Grove grounds.

A pebble pool for amphibians was also set up along with a tree-lined walk of 40 mature trees.

The children also had to be aware about the global perspective of environmental issues. They had raised money to drinking water for youngsters in Africa, she added.

Being an Eco-school lasts for two years before Encams will re-assess the school.