Eco-warriors flooded into Truro on Wednesday for the first ever Eco-Schools Activity Day at Truro Cathedral.

Over 130 Eco-School Warriors aged between three and 11 representing 20 church schools across the county, along with 40 teachers and volunteers, took part in 17 workshops during the successful event.

The youngsters attending are all eco-committee members from key stage 1 and key stage two. The event was an opportunity for them to meet together and share the amazing work they are undertaking in their schools.

Clare Green, Schools Creation Care Officer, said: “It was wonderful to see such passionate and confident young people gathered together sharing their projects and ideas. They clearly demonstrated the enthusiasm and desire of their schools to protect the environment. Thank you to all the wonderful organisations and volunteers who provided such incredible learning experiences. I am so proud of our students.”

The event had experts and representatives from SW Water, Surfers Against Sewage, Cornwall Council, Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Suez, Falmouth University, Truro Parks, Geothermal Engineering and  Cornwall Community Flood Forum leading interactive workshops focussing on fashion and sustainability, marine plastic pollution, marine coastal erosion, attracting pollinators, waste recycling, eco-anxiety, caring for school grounds, energy, water and global citizenship, and learning marine animal names in Cornish.

Children got to leaf paint, identify butterflies, make paper pots, plant seeds and create bee bombs.

Ben Lillie, Diocesan Environment Officer, said: “It was such a privilege to join in with the Education team’s Eco-Schools Activity Day.  The children in our church schools are incredible ambassadors for Creation Care. They engaged in the many creative workshops with energy, honesty and enthusiasm.

“Climate Justice can often feel a bit overwhelming, but with these children leading the way, there is still so much hope!”

Francis Hyland, author and co-ordinator at Eco-Schools, even popped in via zoom to say hello.

Lee Moscato, Diocesan Director of Education, said: “It was a joy to bring young leaders from schools across the diocese together to acknowledge their work, celebrate their successes, encourage their continued commitment and add to their knowledge in this area.  The pupils in our schools see that God’s creation is to be cherished and at the event we heard of all that these schools were already doing to make a difference. We saw that in our schools, pupils are being the change they want to see in our world and this event was all about shining a light on and from these incredible young people and the adults in school who enable them.”

The day provided an ideal opportunity for pupils and teachers to evidence step five of their Eco-Schools journey (Informing and Involving) as well as networking with like-minded young people from across the diocese.

Ed O’Hara, head of school at Sir Robert Geffrey’s School in Landrake, said: “It was a wonderful day and will impact positively on Creation Care in schools … Our team were buzzing with ideas on the journey back and have already starting planning activities.”

Nicola Bonell, teacher at St Mary’s School in Penzance, said: “The eco conference was well organised and inspiring for both adults and children. The children loved all the activities as they were engaging and age appropriate. They left Truro Cathedral totally buzzing, armed with bird feeders, bug hotels, bee bombs and seeds. They now have lots of ideas for future projects that will make a big difference. It was a brilliant day!”