Herefordshire schools fly the flag

Local, regional and national experts will descend on Hereford for a special public exhibition and conference aimed at raising awareness of an environmentally-friendly schools’ initiative.

Nearly 70 per cent of schools across Herefordshire are registered as Eco-Schools, a national and European scheme which promotes recycling, energy conservation, healthy eating, biodiversity and much more.

Eight schools in Herefordshire have received prestigious Green Flag Awards under the scheme for successfully demonstrating an ongoing commitment to the programme.

Now Herefordshire Council is staging an exhibition and conference at Hereford Town Hall, on Wednesday, April 5, to celebrate the success of Eco-Schools.

As part of the public exhibition, schools and environmental organisations from around the county will be present to provide information on environmental subjects between 2pm and 4pm.

This will be followed by the conference when guest speaker Alison Ellis, national programme manager of ENCAMS, which manages Eco-Schools, outlines the project’s national picture.

Representatives from Almeley Primary School, Hereford, Weobley High School, Weobley, and Westfield School, Leominster, will also make presentations on how the scheme has helped them.

Cllr Don Rule, Cabinet Member (Children’s Services) and Cllr Phil Edwards, Cabinet Member (Environment) will attend the event.

There will also be an update on the various innovative developments at the new Whitecross High School, Hereford.

“The Eco-Schools initiative is a very worthwhile and important scheme,” said Cllr Phil Edwards, Cabinet Member (Environment).

“Not only does it involve the children in the decision-making at their school and allow them to make a difference but it also provides an educational platform from which we can teach young people about the environment and sustainable development.

“We would warmly welcome members of the public to come along to the open day and have a look at what’s happing in our schools.”

Places at the conference are limited therefore attendance is by reservation only. To book contact (01432) 383363.