Harrogate students' 'Forest of Promises' pledge to the environment
Ashville School pupils have written messages on leaves, detailing the bits they're doing at home to fight climate change
Children at an independent school in Harrogate have pledged to do their bit to improve the environment.
As world leaders take stock after Glasgow’s COP26, pupils and staff at Harrogate’s Ashville College have created a ‘Forest of Promises’, writing pledges on one side of a leaf stating what they will do to address the climate crisis.
On the other side, they have penned messages to heads of state citing what action they think they should take to help lower CO2 emissions.
Bella Marsh, Year 11, told us it is important "young people's voices are heard".
She said:
"We need to be more carbon neutral at home and to recycle more and I'm going to be more aware of what I'm doing that may or may not affect the environment and just try to be more environmentally friendly."
Edward Hall, Year 10, added:
"It's about the community and everyone working together. It's not about whether your one thing will make a massive difference, but when everybody does small things and the community works together that's how we'll start to tackle global warming."
"Our voices are being heard, but I feel like it could be a little too late", said Year 10 student Izzie Brown.****
She added:
"But it's not so late that we can't make a difference. We need to hear more of what the younger generation has to say because we're the ones that are going to have to deal with it in the future".
The school is also taking part in Green Jumper Day today (26 November), an initiative aimed at raising awareness around climate change, educating the next generation, and planting trees. Instead of turning the heating up to keep warm, participants are encouraged to pull on a sweater and make a donation to help Green Jumper achieve its goals.
The school is also awaiting delivery of 400 trees to plant on campus by the end of the Autumn term, bringing the total planted for the Big Climate Fightback in conjunction with the Woodland Trust to 900 in a year.
Brian McHugh, Ashville’s Head of Year 10, said:
“Thanks to COP26, the world has been well and truly focused on the environment and climate change.
“Our pupils have taken a keen interest in the two-week summit. They fully understand that everyone has their part to play, and even the smallest action can help protect the environment we live in.
“Our Forest of Promises is taking a prominent position in our foyer, and the foliage is getting thicker – and greener – by the day. Pupils have written pledges on the leaves, which are anything but empty promises.
“And whilst pupils and staff are participating in a series of green events this month, including Green Jumper Day, and Walk to School Day, the College’s commitment to reduce its impact on the environment is ongoing.”