Eighteen Norfolk schools have been recognised for their commitment to environmental action and creation care after achieving Keep Britain Tidy Green Flag Awards through the Diocese of Norwich’s Eco Schools programme.
Pupils, teachers and partner organisations gathered at St Agnes Church, Cawston, on 10 September to celebrate a year of achievement that has seen schools complete Environmental Reviews, deliver sustainability projects and embed environmental responsibility into everyday school life.
Schools including Cawston Church of England Primary Academy, Reepham Primary School, Swanton Abbott Community Primary School and St Benet’s Catholic Primary School were among those recognised. Across the programme, 18 schools achieved Green Flag Awards, including one Merit and five Distinctions.
The programme has encouraged pupils to take practical action on environmental issues, from improving biodiversity and reducing waste to raising awareness of sustainability within their school communities. Staff have also incorporated these commitments into Climate Action Plans, helping ensure environmental stewardship remains part of long-term school development.
Seven schools attended the celebration event, represented by pupils who shared the difference their projects have made. Teachers from a new cohort of schools were also welcomed as they begin their own Green Flag journey this year.
At the heart of the programme is a commitment to creation care, combining practical environmental action with the Christian responsibility to care for the world around us. Schools have worked alongside partners including Anglian Water, Let’s Go Zero, Green Schools Project, RWE, Scrapbox Reepham and Norfolk Wildlife Trust. Marshalls Waste and children’s author and illustrator Ben Rothery will also support the programme in the year ahead.
Barbara Bryant, Diocesan Environment Officer, said:
“As stewards of God’s creation, these schools have shown that caring for the earth is not only an environmental responsibility but an act of faith. Their Green Flag awards celebrate young people putting hope into action and honouring the gift of creation for generations to come.”
Florrie and Logan from Cawston Primary Academy said:
“We really enjoyed working as an eco-team to make a map of our school with our dream eco improvements!”
The success of the first cohort marks an important milestone for the Diocese of Norwich’s Eco Schools programme. Through practical action and a shared commitment to creation care, pupils and staff have demonstrated how schools can positively impact their environment while inspiring others to follow their lead. With a new group of schools now joining the initiative, the programme aims to build on this momentum across Norfolk, equipping more young people with the skills, knowledge and confidence to care for the environment and their local communities.