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Let's Build A Greener, Brighter Future Together!

Eco- Warriors
The Schools Net Zero Toolkit has resources and tools to help schools and home education groups in their response to the Climate and Ecological Emergency.

This toolkit is designed to support schools to educate young people and offers practical tips that can be used not only in school but also at home.

Many schools are making a difference to Climate Change through their Climate Action Projects, schemes and initiatives, and we can all work together to continue the good work that is already happening.

If you have any resources or tools that we can share here, to help other school communities, please contact the Councils Eco-Education Project Manager by email: CarbonNeutral.Education@cornwall.gov.uk

Funding Opportunities


Eco-Schools

All schools in Cornwall are welcome to sign up and actively participate in the Eco-Schools programme. This is a free resource available throughout the year. If a school wishes to apply for Green Flag Accreditation, they can do so for a fee of £200 + VAT. However, applying for this accreditation is not mandatory; schools can simply register, be active members, and benefit from this excellent resource.

The Eco-Schools programme provides a simple, seven-step framework that is easy to follow and requires NO extra work load to staff/volunteers than any other club.

This year, Cornwall Council has a limited budget specifically allocated to help schools renew their Eco-Schools Green Flag accreditation. The budget will cover at least 50% of the renewal accreditation fee, depending on the number of Cornish schools that renew their accreditation.

  • Maximum Cost: The most a school in Cornwall will pay to renew their Green Flag accreditation is £87 + VAT.

The exact cost of your Eco-Schools Green Flag renewal will be determined after the Green Flag application window closes. However, it will not exceed £87, and the Eco-Schools Team will complete assessments and send accreditations before invoicing.

Schools are eligible to receive this part-payment toward the renewal on the condition that they sign up for Let’s Go Zero. Let's Go Zero offer a variety of free opportunities that you might find valuable.

Cornwall also has it's own Eco- Education Project Manager to support you on your journey. Please contact Charlotte: CarbonNeutral.Education@cornwall.gov.uk

Young people are our future, give them a voice!


Cornwall Climate and Nature Fund

Cornwall Council and Crowdfunder’s Climate and Nature Fund supports projects that will help our response to climate change and promote nature recovery. If your idea or project meets the criteria, you can apply for a grant to match fund up to £5,000 - for exceptional projects that could offer a larger impact, we may offer grants of up to £15,000. Outdoor classrooms, enhancing or creating habitats on school grounds, renewable energy, and behaviour change projects are all within scope. Applications accepted on an ongoing basis. Scan the QR code to learn more about this funding opportunity! Get in touch with the team if you have any questions: climatechange@cornwall.gov.uk

Read about the project below: Nansloe Nature Garden


Exciting Eco opportunities


Forest for Cornwall

Be a part of the Forest for Cornwall – plant a tree!

Learn about the Forest for Cornwall programme by visiting Forest For Cornwall. For information on funding and practical support to plant trees, hedges, mini forests, or orchards in local communities and schools, please contact: ForestforCornwall@cornwall.gov.uk



Cornwall Climate Care

Climate Education

FREE Climate Change workshops for primary and secondary schools

Do you want to help your students understand climate change in an accessible, enjoyable way? Do you worry about your students suffering climate anxiety? These FREE workshops for students from EYFS to Key Stage 5 could help!

Following a huge demand in the 2023/24 academic year, Cornwall Climate Care, a local charity making documentaries about the impacts of climate change and innovative solutions being used to reduce these, are delighted to extend their offer of free workshops on the effects of climate change on topics such as our oceans, coastal erosion, food systems and, new for 2024/25, energy production.

These workshops increase understanding of the causes of climate change and its effects on the chosen topic, by using interactive activities to make an intimidating topic accessible and fun. They also inspire hope and positivity by demonstrating how anyone can make a difference regardless of their age.

For more information please contact Cornwall Climate Care’s Education Coordinator, Hayley Hill, via hayley@cornwallclimate.org or visit her website – bookings now open for the 2024/25 academic year.


See our News and Events and Activities Boards below

Let's Build A Greener, Brighter Future Together!

Eco- Warriors
The Schools Net Zero Toolkit has resources and tools to help schools and home education groups in their response to the Climate and Ecological Emergency.

This toolkit is designed to support schools to educate young people and offers practical tips that can be used not only in school but also at home.

Many schools are making a difference to Climate Change through their Climate Action Projects, schemes and initiatives, and we can all work together to continue the good work that is already happening.

If you have any resources or tools that we can share here, to help other school communities, please contact the Councils Eco-Education Project Manager by email: CarbonNeutral.Education@cornwall.gov.uk

Funding Opportunities


Eco-Schools

All schools in Cornwall are welcome to sign up and actively participate in the Eco-Schools programme. This is a free resource available throughout the year. If a school wishes to apply for Green Flag Accreditation, they can do so for a fee of £200 + VAT. However, applying for this accreditation is not mandatory; schools can simply register, be active members, and benefit from this excellent resource.

The Eco-Schools programme provides a simple, seven-step framework that is easy to follow and requires NO extra work load to staff/volunteers than any other club.

This year, Cornwall Council has a limited budget specifically allocated to help schools renew their Eco-Schools Green Flag accreditation. The budget will cover at least 50% of the renewal accreditation fee, depending on the number of Cornish schools that renew their accreditation.

  • Maximum Cost: The most a school in Cornwall will pay to renew their Green Flag accreditation is £87 + VAT.

The exact cost of your Eco-Schools Green Flag renewal will be determined after the Green Flag application window closes. However, it will not exceed £87, and the Eco-Schools Team will complete assessments and send accreditations before invoicing.

Schools are eligible to receive this part-payment toward the renewal on the condition that they sign up for Let’s Go Zero. Let's Go Zero offer a variety of free opportunities that you might find valuable.

Cornwall also has it's own Eco- Education Project Manager to support you on your journey. Please contact Charlotte: CarbonNeutral.Education@cornwall.gov.uk

Young people are our future, give them a voice!


Cornwall Climate and Nature Fund

Cornwall Council and Crowdfunder’s Climate and Nature Fund supports projects that will help our response to climate change and promote nature recovery. If your idea or project meets the criteria, you can apply for a grant to match fund up to £5,000 - for exceptional projects that could offer a larger impact, we may offer grants of up to £15,000. Outdoor classrooms, enhancing or creating habitats on school grounds, renewable energy, and behaviour change projects are all within scope. Applications accepted on an ongoing basis. Scan the QR code to learn more about this funding opportunity! Get in touch with the team if you have any questions: climatechange@cornwall.gov.uk

Read about the project below: Nansloe Nature Garden


Exciting Eco opportunities


Forest for Cornwall

Be a part of the Forest for Cornwall – plant a tree!

Learn about the Forest for Cornwall programme by visiting Forest For Cornwall. For information on funding and practical support to plant trees, hedges, mini forests, or orchards in local communities and schools, please contact: ForestforCornwall@cornwall.gov.uk



Cornwall Climate Care

Climate Education

FREE Climate Change workshops for primary and secondary schools

Do you want to help your students understand climate change in an accessible, enjoyable way? Do you worry about your students suffering climate anxiety? These FREE workshops for students from EYFS to Key Stage 5 could help!

Following a huge demand in the 2023/24 academic year, Cornwall Climate Care, a local charity making documentaries about the impacts of climate change and innovative solutions being used to reduce these, are delighted to extend their offer of free workshops on the effects of climate change on topics such as our oceans, coastal erosion, food systems and, new for 2024/25, energy production.

These workshops increase understanding of the causes of climate change and its effects on the chosen topic, by using interactive activities to make an intimidating topic accessible and fun. They also inspire hope and positivity by demonstrating how anyone can make a difference regardless of their age.

For more information please contact Cornwall Climate Care’s Education Coordinator, Hayley Hill, via hayley@cornwallclimate.org or visit her website – bookings now open for the 2024/25 academic year.


See our News and Events and Activities Boards below

  • Climate Events

    Share Climate Events on Facebook Share Climate Events on Twitter Share Climate Events on Linkedin Email Climate Events link

    Is your school leadership team responding to the Department of Education’s Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy?

    Have you nominated a Climate Lead and are you developing a Climate Action Plan?

    Cornwall Council has partnered with Eco-Schools and Let’s Go Zero to support schools to decarbonise their school buildings and grounds. This will address the Department of Education’s Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy (2023), which suggests that by the end of 2025 all education settings should have a nominated Climate Lead and a clear Climate Action Plan in place. To help support you, Cornwall Council is hosting a FREE climate conference for schools. Please see attached document learn more or scan the QR code.


    Scan the QR Code to learn more!




    Want to find out your school's carbon footprint?

    Count Your Carbon is brought to you by Keep Britain Tidy and Eco-Schools England, with help from Let’s Go Zero. Carbon expertise has been provided by Arete Zero Carbon, and the project is made possible thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery and Calisen. Development was informed by months of in-depth research with those working in educational settings (including teachers, catering staff, bursars and caretakers) and within local authorities, please click here to access the training.

    Count Your Carbon is the nation’s first free, full scope carbon emissions calculator built for – and in collaboration with – nurseries, schools, and colleges. Click the button below, to begin your calculation today and join us on our mission to reduce carbon emissions in educational settings by 50% by 2030!




  • Climate News

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    Nanstallon Primary becomes an Eco-School with Distinction!

    Eco-Club members: Archie, Charlie and Seren

    A school in Cornwall is celebrating some fantastic news for its community, after being awarded the title of Eco-School – thanks to the work of their pupil-led Eco-Club.

    Pupils at Nanstallon School, near Bodmin, have joined children at thousands of schools around the UK who are already acting on climate responsibility thanks to a ‘simple seven-step programme.’

    Charlotte Clarke ran the Eco Club at Nanstallon Primary. She explained: “As part of the Eco-Schools programme, schools can choose from 10 eco-focussed topics to explore. They then focus on three of these topics over the course of a year.”

    15 pupils at Nanstallon School focussed on waste, biodiversity and energy, with activities created around these topics to expand the learning opportunities of everyone in the school.

    Charlotte added: “Nanstallon School held assemblies, planted vegetables, trees, set campaigns for families to take part in, made bug hotels, nominated eco monitors, created bird feeders and went on bug hunts!

    Involving children in the Eco-Schools project in the UK offers numerous benefits that extend beyond the classroom. Participation fosters environmental awareness and education, equipping pupils with the knowledge to make sustainable choices and develop eco-friendly habits.

    Charlotte added, “Engaging in these activities enhances academic performance by integrating practical applications of subjects like science and geography, making learning more dynamic and relevant.”

    This early exposure to environmental issues also encourages responsibility and leadership, as children take active roles in decision-making and community projects.

    Collaborative decision making and the authentic voice of the child is central to the ethos of Nanstallon School.

    Ben Stephenson, Headteacher at Nanstallon Primary School, said: “This project has deepened the children's sense of purpose, responsibility and ownership of their environment.

    The process of forming a democratic group and then evaluating how we do things now, so we can improve things for the future through action and evaluation, as part of our curriculum, is also a genuine way to dovetail doing good and being ethical with a learning process.

    Eco-Schools is a growing phenomenon which encourages young people to engage in their environment by allowing them the opportunity to actively protect it.

    The children at Nanstallon ‘galvanised’ each other to make positive changes, through reducing food waste, managing waste, making the school environment greener and engaging the community to evaluate their habits and make positive changes.

    One of the biggest moments was the planting of 20 new trees in a new orchard at the school, working closely with local gardener George Kestel, and with the help of parents the children, Ether Clarke and Leon Gilbert. This was supported by Cornwall Council with Ben Norward supplying three different species of tree to suit the school grounds.

    Ben added: “This was all about engaging in a national project of global value that connects environmental education and action and demonstrates how a small cog, at a local level, can make a big difference."

    It’s about questioning the everyday practises you can change such as:

    How much food do we waste?

    How do we encourage nature to thrive on our grounds?

    Do we buy and use products that harm human health and the waterways?

    Do we need to use so much paper and printing?

    Collectively, schools can make a huge difference just by asking the right questions and giving children the autonomy, ownership and guidance to make these happen”, Ben said.

    The Eco-Schools programme is designed to be pupil-led and the Eco-Schools Green Flag is an annual accreditation which celebrates the efforts of young people in that community.

    Nanstallon school has now been awarded Green Flag with Distinction status, funded by Cornwall Council, which the pupils are rightly proud of.

    Eco Club’s Seren, from Year 4, said she ‘just loves learning new things’: “I have learnt so much about taking care of the environment that I will keep doing forever. I’d love to continue to do things like composting in the future; it’s easy and really helps you to live positively.

    The children have also already planted pumpkins for the autumn. Archie from Year 3 said: “Eco-Club is also about making things and it’s great to be arty while learning about the environment.

    Charlie, from Year 5, added: “You learn so many new things like what lives in bug hotels, how to plant trees. I never knew trees were so easy to plant!

    Eco Club gives all children a voice, helping those who are quieter develop the skills to express themselves and speak out.

    Charlotte highlighted a huge change in the children’s confidence. She said: “One child was too shy to speak in an assembly, but after a term of learning about sustainability, that same pupil confidently stood before the entire school and led the assembly. It was one of the most rewarding aspects of Eco-Club.

    Charlotte concluded: “Promoting Eco-Schools in Cornwall is crucial because it installs a strong sense of environmental responsibility in our young people, ensuring they understand the importance of sustainability from an early age.

    Through this programme we not only benefit our children’s education but also contribute to a more sustainable and vibrant Cornwall.



Page last updated: 25 Mar 2025, 11:54 AM