School nominated for top eco award

Last updated 13:32, Saturday, 04 October 2008

COCKERMOUTH School has been nominated for a national award, the National Bursars Association ‘Eco’ award, for its work on environmental issues.

Winner’s work: Mike Wilde Eco Centre at Cockermouth School was designed by White Young Green

The school met the criteria by producing an Eco Plan, showing that environmental issues were covered in the curriculum and recognising the importance of sustainable development within the school and its wider community.

The school formed an environmental committee, in 2007, of pupils, support staff, teachers, governors, external agencies and a county council recycling officer who developed an action plan.

Its work to save energy, recycle and reduce waste and enhance bio-diversity in the school grounds and local area has evolved into a code of practice.

Joan Ellis, school development manager, said: “We are looking forward to going to London this weekend to find out the results.

“With the Eco-School status and our Eco Code we hope this will stand us in good stead.”

The Mike Wilde Eco Centre received a £1.3m grant through Cumbria County Council towards its development. The centre, now open for two years, was the vision of former headteacher Mike Wilde, who died in August 2007.