CHILDREN from primary schools in Sandhurst and Crowthorne became eco-warriors last month when they went out into their communities to promote cleaner environments.

Seven schools in the areas set up Pupil Councils in order to promote working together and a community day on June 21 saw youngsters venture out to support their surroundings.

Children from Uplands Primary School and Nursery, Crowthorne C of E and New Scotland Hill went out to collect and recycle litter, with St Michael’s Sandhurst, College Town Primary, Owlsmoor and Wildmoor Heath focusing on in-school projects such as creating flower beds to encourage bees and pollination.

Phil Sherwood, Uplands Primary School and Nursery Head Teacher, said: “We are delighted that our cluster of schools came together to work in our local communities. There was a real buzz around the schools and the children felt empowered knowing that other local pupils were out doing the same thing. We hope to do more events as a cluster of schools, as we feel it is vital for our children to understand how they can be positive, active citizens and help their local area and, in a wider sense, their country.”

The events were inspired by the work of local community group Crowthorne Reduce Our Waste (C.R.O.W) who achieved Plastic Free Status for Crowthorne in February. 

The community day was part of the schools’ curriculum, aiming to help pupils understand how they can contribute to their local area and make a difference to their environment.

A representative from C.R.O.W, said: "It was a very educational and productive say which the children embraced with great enthusiasm and determination to look after their environment and the wider planet.

"This was truly a great community effort with the schools supported by C.R.O.W and by Crowthorne Parish Council and Bracknell Forest Council, who provided the litter pickers for all the schools." 

The children carried out a litter pick around the streets neighbouring their schools and on school grounds. 

As well as this, Crowthorne C of E conducted a lunch time waste audit which showed the extent of single use plastic in lunch boxes and in the canteen. 

The initiative was widely praised by residents, families, Crowthorne Reduce Our Waste (C.R.O.W) and members of Sandhurst Town Council, who took time out to say hello to the children as they cleaned up around Memorial Park.