Green Flags at Hazlegrove Prep

We live in dark times. In a world of heat waves, rising sea levels and ever-climbing fossil emissions, it is easy to fall victim to despair and environmental nihilism. The dread spectre of anthropogenic climate change looms large, and nobody could be blamed for feeling a little trepidation regarding prophecies of biospherical collapse and all that such a thing might entail. 

It is for this reason that Country and Town House – a magazine deeply proud of its commitment to sustainability – feels it to be important to call attention to glimmers of light in the proverbial darkness. All over the country, individuals and institutions are rising to the challenge of creating a better, more sustainable future. One such institution, worthy of great commendation, is Hazlegrove Prep School, Somerset: the students have been awarded an Eco-Schools’ Green Flag for their exceptional work promoting sustainability and raising environmental awareness among their peers.

To those readers unfamiliar with Eco-Schools, it is an international programme of the Foundation for Environmental Education, charged with empowering students to take positive action regarding the biosphere and engage in sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. When a school shows serious commitment and evidence of success regarding the seven step programme Eco-Schools sets out, the school, staff and students are awarded a prestigious International Green Flag – this is what has happened at Hazlegrove. 

It is important to highlight that this is no small achievement – International Green Flags are not handed out like sweets. The Eco-Schools programme was recognised in turn by an initiative of the United Nations itself – Hazlegrove’s Green Flag is the result of nothing short of an outstanding and long lasting commitment to environmentalism by the school community. Firstly, a pupil-led Eco-Committee was established. This committee took responsibility for spearheading their school’s environmental initiatives, with support from Amanda Benbow – currently an educational psychologist and previously an early years teacher. The committee conducted a thorough review of their school environment and curriculum, before developing a year-long plan of action.

Their Action Plan focused on key issues: improving recycling, enhancing the environment, creating more areas for wildlife and exploring the potential for growing more produce, as well as addressing food waste. Activities included analysing single use plastic with the catering team, creating a recycling fashion club, ensuring paper recycling in all of the classrooms, and also identifying areas to re-wild as well as working on a kitchen garden project and regenerating the school pond. These activities were thoughtfully selected to increase environmental awareness, bolster the school’s sustainability, and make meaningful contributions to global conservation efforts.

Adam Flint – that’s the Eco-Schools England Manager, to those not in the know – was quick to underline the importance of Hazlegrove’s achievement. ‘The Eco-Schools’ Green Flag,’ he said, ‘is an international benchmark that demonstrates a commitment to fighting climate change and a high standard of sustainable practice. Students and staff who earn this award deserve recognition for their dedication toward protecting our planet. Every day, they demonstrate that each of us can contribute to making our planet a better, more sustainable, place.’

Sometimes we are very lucky, and doing the right thing is easy. A kind word to a stranger; returning a shopping trolley; giving up one’s seat on public transport to somebody in greater need all expend little time and energy to make the world a better place. When it comes to environmentalism, however, we’d be wise to remember Kermit the Frog’s aphorism: ‘it’s not easy being green’. We should not be dissuaded by this. Hazlegrove’s achievement is the result of a great deal of time and hard work, and their award should be viewed with – yes, admiration – but also designs upon emulation. Everyone can work to create a more environmentally conscious and sustainable future, and Hazlegrove’s incredible example is one to be followed. An endeavour to be praised, and a challenge to be met.