Buckingham Primary School’s eco-warriors awarded grant

This autumn, Gawcott Fields Community Solar awarded a £2,000 grant to Buckingham Primary School to support the growth and impact of the school’s Eco Council, which is made up of pupils from Years 2-6. This grant aims to encourage these young leaders to implement eco-projects that will promote sustainability, increase environmental learning, and benefit their local community.

Jake Townsend from Buckingham Primary School explained: “We were delighted to receive a grant from Gawcott Community Solar to support the growth of the eco council at Buckingham Primary School. This funding has allowed us to purchase data loggers, litter pickers, and compost caddies, as well as install wildlife boxes and vegetable patches. We wanted to support pupils with making greener choices and help them understand their role in protecting our planet and embracing what it truly means to be green. The children have started to take what they are learning through eco council home and they are encouraging others to make greener choices”

Funding will cover the costs of five data loggers and charging units, enabling students to assess how greener choices can significantly impact the environment. These data loggers will also help monitor lighting levels and temperatures around the school site, to enhance with plant germination, propagation and planting in allotment beds.

The project has provided students with a unique opportunity to foster a deep appreciation for nature and utilise the environment as a valuable learning tool. As the eco council grows, its impact within the school will expand, demonstrating how human choices—particularly greener choices—can significantly influence our environment. Through the use of data loggers, students will gain insights into how their actions can create positive change.

“I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to fund the school’s eco-council,” said Jake Burnyeat, Director of Gawcott Solar CIC. “One of our long-term priorities is to support educational and community activities that address climate change and other environmental issues.”

Do you have a great green idea for your school?

Not many communities have their own solar farm! Gawcott Fields Community Solar CIC is a not-for-profit organisation and our surplus income is used to support local projects. We’re committed to helping schools within 5km of our solar farm with every step of their journey to net-zero, and this includes promoting STEM, energy, and environment-related education.

For more information on upcoming educational programs or opportunities for local schools, please get it touch at hello@gawcottsolar.co.uk