Creationtide is the annual event in the Church of England’s calendar to celebrate God’s creation and renew a promise to look after our planet.

Many churches hold special services to mark the event, which runs from September 1 to October 4.

In this series we are highlighting some of the ways people in the Diocese of Truro care for creation.

 

They say children are the future – and the youngsters in the diocese’s schools are definitely taking this responsibility to heart.

Image shows a child putting a bag in a green wheelie bin.There are 44 church schools in the diocese and many of those who attend are proving to be keen carers of the environment.

This year scores of pupils have taken part in the Eco Schools Award Scheme and achieved their Eco Schools Green flags – an accolade recognising environmental work.

St Winnow Primary School, in Lostwithiel, was given a Green Flag with Merit. This was thanks to the Eco Schools and gardening club children who worked hard making plans to improve the school grounds and cut carbon.

“At St. Winnow we are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded the Green Flag.” – Helen Prisk, St Winnow Year Three teacher and the Eco-Schools lead.

Helen Prisk, St Winnow Year Three teacher and the Eco-Schools lead, said: “At St. Winnow we are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded the Green Flag.

“This achievement reflects all the hard work we’ve put in this year to make our school a greener place and show our care for God’s creation.

“We reached out to the PTA for support and even held a bake sale to raise some funds. Our Eco School members and gardening club played a big role, and we also took part in the ‘Cut Your Carbon’ initiative at school and at home.Image shows pupils in hi-vis tops with bins and litter pickers outside the sign for their school.

“We’re so proud to be recognised for our efforts in sustainability.”

Anthony Church of England School in Torpoint also received a Green Flag Award after carrying out an audit on how to improve the environment surrounding their school.

“We have thoroughly enjoyed working on the different areas to make our school a better place.” – Jo Pearton, Trust RE Lead and Flourishing RE & CW Lead at Antony School.

Jo Pearton, Trust RE Lead and Flourishing RE & CW Lead at Antony School, said: “I am absolutely thrilled that Antony School received its Green Flag this year.

“We have thoroughly enjoyed working on the different areas to make our school a better place.

“The children really engaged with their Eco roles and I truly feel that now we have started out on this journey, it will continue.”

Clare Green, schools’ creation care officer and Flourish link officer at the Diocese of Truro, said: “It has been a huge privilege to work with so many schools on the Eco-Schools programme this year.

Logo reads 'Creation Care' and has a green, blue and red strip after the word 'care'.“We hear so much about the climate crisis and the changing planet, but I have great hope in the future with these young people in charge.”

In July, a special service was held to thank children for all they do for our planet. They were presented with a framed certificate to display in their school as part of the Eco-Schools Awards scheme.