Longdendale High School is celebrating being awarded Eco-Schools Green Flag Status - an internationally recognised award for excellence in environmental action and learning. 

The Eco-Schools programme provides a unique opportunity that empowers young people to lead change within their school and have a positive impact on their wider community. The programme encourages students to work together to develop their environmental knowledge and awareness. 

The Hollingworth-based school's Eco Club, founded in September 2021, worked hard throughout the academic year to improve the impact the school has on the environment. As part of the programme, the club identified three areas of concern they wanted to target; Litter, Waste and Biodiversity. 

In the first school term, Eco Club focused on tackling the problems associated with litter; they organised a litter pick and were overwhelmed with the number of students from all year groups who volunteered to help. 

Secondly the club looked at the issue of waste and came up with a creative approach, deciding to use recycled materials to decorate the school for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. They created a large Union Jack flag, made out of recycled cardboard and bottle caps, and made Jubilee bunting out of recycled fabric and cardboard. 

Finally, the Club wanted to raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity in our local area. This involved collaborating with another school club, who were making bird-feeders, which were then positioned around the outdoor space that the school enjoys. Students then took part in the RSPB Garden Birdwatch programme and were also able to participate in the UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme (PoMS). 

Head teacher Andrea Jones said: "We are thrilled to have been awarded Green Flag Status, and are very proud that our students’ hard-work and commitment to the environment in the local community has been rewarded." 

Humanities teacher Bethany Osbaldeston, who runs Eco Club, said: “I honestly couldn’t ask for a more engaged, eager and hard-working group of students. It was a pleasure to receive such great feedback when we received confirmation of our Green Flag status."

The Eco-Schools assessor said: “I have greatly enjoyed reading through your submission. It is evident that the Eco-Committee were enthusiastic in creating their Action Plan, as it is full of many great and creative activities that would certainly have engaged many around the school.” 

Continuing with their great work, Eco Club members recently attended the Greater Manchester Green Summit at the Lowry Theatre, where they were able to discuss action on climate change with the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham. 

A spokesperson for the school said: "We cannot wait to see what the Eco Club achieve this academic year and would like to thank all the members for the commendable contributions they have made since the club began."