Donard and Edenderry awarded after eco success

Representatives from both schools attended a special presentation to receive their award from Council Chairman Jim McElroy. This was a first time achievement for Donard School whereas Edenderry Primary School renewed their award for the fifth time.

Pupils at Donard School proved their commitment to environmental protection by introducing a system for recycling all types of materials such as paper, plastic, glass, batteries, clothes, food waste and Tetra Pak. They also use rainwater collected in a butt to water plants and vegetables in the school’s greenhouse. Pupils are encouraged to keep the school grounds clean and tidy by routinely organising litter picks. The school has also supported recycling initiatives such as the Yellow Woods Challenge and Cash for Clobber.

One of the first schools in the Banbridge District to achieve the Green Flag Award, Edenderry Primary School has been instrumental in encouraging other schools to work towards achieving the same level of success in the Eco-Schools programme.

This year the school introduced a permanent clothes recycling bin and ran a ‘Phones for School’ recycling campaign. The school’s Eco-Schools Committee organised visits from the RSPB, enabling pupils to learn about identifying birds in the local area. Pupils built a mini beasts corner in the school playground and created a sensory garden with a willow dome, musical area and raised flower beds. Healthy eating is another key area that the school has focused on this year.

On presenting the awards, Councillor McElroy said, “The two schools represented here today are to be congratulated on achieving this award. Hearing first-hand about how they are helping protect the environment is very inspiring. I hope other schools will follow the good example they are setting, and begin instilling the right attitude towards environmental protection in their pupils at an early age.”

Chairman of Eco-Schools Northern Ireland, Leslie Murray, said, “Well done to all the pupils and teachers involved and thanks also to the Council’s Environmental Education Officer for supporting the schools as they worked towards achieving the award.“

These latest achievements bring the number of schools awarded a Green Flag in the Banbridge District to nine. Overall, the Banbridge District has the second highest number of schools in Northern Ireland participating in the Eco-Schools programme. Some 79% of schools here already have been awarded or are currently working towards a Green Flag.

For further information about the Eco-Schools programme, contact 9073 6920 or log on to www.eco-schoolsni.org.uk.