Prendergast CP School in Haverfordwest is celebrating after being awarded an internationally acclaimed eco-award.
Prendergast CP School has been awarded their third Green Flag Award thanks to the environmental education programme, Eco-Schools.
Eco-Schools is an international programme run in Wales by environmental charity, Keep Wales Tidy and funded by the Welsh Government. Over 90% of schools in Wales are registered on the programme.
The Eco-Schools programme inspires and empowers pupils to be leaders of change in their community, helping them learn about sustainable living and global citizenship while giving them the information and support they need to make changes that will benefit their school, local environment and wider community, such as reducing waste, energy consumption, transport, healthy living and litter issues.
As part of their Eco-Schools assessment, Prendergast CP School undertook an ambitious and wide-ranging biodiversity project to transform the school grounds into a richer habitat for wildlife.
Pupils and staff worked closely with local and national organisations, including the Darwin Centre, who supported the school in carrying out extensive biodiversity surveys and helped to plan the project; the Pembrokeshire Nature Partnership, who provided expert advice and guidance; and Keep Wales Tidy, who supplied vital resources and support through their Supersize Development Package.
The school also shared ideas and good practice with another local school during the planning process. With the help of these partners, pupils planted large areas of pollinator-friendly native plants and wildflowers, enhanced existing habitats and created new spaces to support insects, birds and small mammals. The pond area was significantly improved to encourage greater biodiversity and provide inspiring outdoor learning opportunities.
In addition to the biodiversity work, the school established a Big Bocs Bwyd ‘Pay As You Feel’ shop to help reduce food waste, improve access to nutritious food and support the wellbeing of families.
The initiative has also created opportunities for parents to get involved in food growing, cooking and enterprise activities. Other projects included promoting active travel to school, organising regular litter picks, introducing composting for food and garden waste and installing a water butt to collect rainwater for the school garden. These actions are helping pupils build practical skills and confidence while learning about sustainability and their role in caring for the environment.
Ms Louise John, head teacher of Prendergast CP School, said:
“We are incredibly proud to have achieved our third Green Flag award through Eco-Schools Wales. This recognition is a testament to the passion, hard work, and commitment of our pupils, staff, and wider school community in caring for our environment. It reflects our ongoing dedication to sustainability and empowering our children to make a real difference, both locally and globally.”
Tim Wort, Education Officer for Keep Wales Tidy said:
“Congratulations to Prendergast CP School on their amazing achievement. They are a shining example of how young people in Wales are committed to achieving a sustainable future for their school but also for their wider community and local environment.”
