In 2022, Lingfield College received the prestigious Green Flag Award ‘with Distinction’ from Eco Schools, with the Senior School following suit in June 2023 – the only school in Surrey to receive the award at this level. So how do they do it?

Nestled in lush countryside, surrounded by fields, woodland, wildlife and the breathtaking Surrey Hills, it is easy to see why Lingfield College is so conscious of the environment. But the school is going much further than just ‘thinking’ green, they are taking massive strides towards embracing a ‘Green Educational’ approach with award-winning results.

Outside Help

Guests to the school keep things interesting with lectures from renowned speakers, workshops, PSHE lessons, and assemblies on sustainability, all of which enrich the pupils’ knowledge and understanding of environmental challenges.

Wildlife Conservation

Pupils support and monitor local wildlife by building habitats and bird boxes, and installing trail cameras (including a remarkable tawny owl camera) – all experiences that also allow them to appreciate the school grounds’ rich biodiversity. The Prep School’s Eco Council even produce their own nature documentary series, Spring Watch, showcasing their thriving ecosystem on the School YouTube channel.

Everyone’s Involved

All this is integrated in the curriculum across subjects and year groups so everyone gets involved. While the Year 2 pupils are conducting traffic surveys to explore greener transport alternatives, the Year 6s engage in science projects on owl pellet dissection.

What they Sow

The school has planted over 300 trees just in the past year, including those gifted by the Tree Planting Project at Surrey County Council. These trees not only enhance the school’s surroundings but also contribute to the global efforts in combating climate change by removing carbon dioxide and also reduce other harmful pollutants. The pupils’ collective efforts have led to the blooming of new stunning wildflower meadows and a bountiful vegetable patch in the Wellbeing Garden. These vibrant displays support pollinators and add natural beauty to the school grounds.

Clubs, Councils & Commitees

The school eco strategy begins with the pupils. They get to be the changemakers and ambassadors themselves. Championed and supported by designated Eco and Sustainability Staff, they passionately promote sustainable practices, inspire their peers and set an example for others through groups such as The Eco Warriors Club and the Eco-Council at the Prep School, and the Eco Committee, Eco Captains and Gardening Club at the Senior School. They undertake projects, such as harvesting and selling apple juice from the school orchard, reinvesting proceeds into eco initiatives. Elsewhere, pupils are monitoring water wastage, exploring recycling, and hosting workshops on mending and upcycling clothes.

School Facilities

Energy-efficient lighting, waste monitoring and smart meters all help create a greener environment and reduce the school’s environmental footprint. Meanwhile, the catering team measures and reduces food waste, adapts menus, and minimises single-use plastic. To reduce plastic consumption and improve recycling, the school has switched recycling providers and even introduced mixed recycling bins in every classroom, a change that instills a culture of sustainability as second nature for the next generation from an early age, and encourages us all to make good decisions and take positive steps.

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