7 schools in Leighton Buzzard area awarded Green Flags for sustainability efforts

Seven schools in and around Leighton Buzzard have been recognised for their commitment to sustainability by Central Bedfordshire Council, and have been given Green Flags for their efforts.

The Green Flag is a symbol of excellence in environmental education and sustainable practices given out by the Eco-Schools Keep Britain Tidy environmental charity. Aspley Guise Village School, Brooklands Middle School, Dovery Academy, Heathwood Lower School and Cedars Day Nursery were all awarded a Green Flag with Distinction, while Pulford CofE VA Lower School, Leighton Buzzard was given a Green Flag with Merit; and Linslade Lower School received a Green Flag.

Cllr Tracey Wye, executive member for sustainability and climate resilience at CBC, said: “We should all be proud of the younger generation who have a responsibility to the environment that puts many adults to shame. Achieving these prestigious awards shows how dedicated pupils and staff are to taking action and enjoying the positive effects of living sustainably.

Comments made by judges to one of the winners of a Green Flag with Distinction award, Heathwood School, included: “young people in your school are aware of environmental issues and committed to being active and creating positive change.”

This past academic year, Central Bedfordshire Council gave schools advice from a dedicated sustainability officer. In May the sustainability team hosted an eco-schools conference to highlight sustainable school practices across Central Bedfordshire. The Eco-Schools Green Flag is a way to celebrate and reward the ecological achievements of children by showing their hard work is appreciated and encouraging them to continue to engage with environmental issues.

Cllr Wye added: “If we flip climate change from doom to an opportunity to build a better future, our schools are right up there leading the way. I hope the 21 Green Flags to celebrate the work of young people, who will soon be the new leaders of innovation and solutions, will energise others to be the change we need.”

“Congratulations to all pupils who achieved distinctions and merits. Let’s build on this success with more schools joining the programme.”