05/05/2009

Fir Tree primary school wins green flag

Fir Tree Primary School is celebrating after becoming the second school in Stockport to achieve a Green Flag.

The prestigious award is part of the Eco Schools scheme, an international award programme designed to promote environmental awareness and sustainability. In order to win a Green Flag, the Reddish school had to fulfil certain criteria focusing on different topics such as recycling, energy and healthy living and also undertaking various environmental improvements.

The most significant of these improvements was the development of the school grounds transforming the playground and field into an area where the children could learn more about the environment. Bird boxes, compost bins and a vegetable plot have all been introduced. Pupils at the school have also carried out regular litter picks and produced a newsletter which will be distributed to residents in the surrounding area telling them about the hard work they have carried out.

Headteacher Linda Harrison, said: "This award is recognition for all the hard work and effort that the children have put into improving the school and their local community environment. We are all very proud of our success."

Stuart Jackson, Public Protection Service Director, said: "Stockport Council fully supports the Eco-Schools scheme and we would urge all schools to register and work towards gaining their Green Flag. This is an excellent way to encourage children to think about environmental issues such as saving energy and recycling."

61 schools in Stockport are signed up to the scheme which was set up by ENCAMS who run the Keep Britain Tidy campaign. It is free to register and open to children's centres, nurseries, primary and secondary schools and schools with special status.

For further information go to www.stockport.gov.uk and www.eco-schools.org.uk

The Mayor of Stockport, Councillor Pam King helps to raise Fir Tree Primary School's Green Flag along with Chair of Governors Dave Williams, Head Linda Harrison and Eco School Advocates Ben Templeton & Chantelle Edwards.