Greensand Trust Eco Clubs Unite for Inspiring Inaugural Summit
There was a real sense of excitement and purpose in the air as children from schools across Greensand Multi Academy Trust came together last week for the very first Greensand Eco Summit, a celebration of sustainability, shared learning and the efforts of our school Eco Clubs.
This special event was initiated by the Greensand’s Sustainability Committee, which comprises Sustainability Leads from each of our schools. In the true spirit of collaboration across the Trust, the committee agreed to create an opportunity for our young eco-leaders to come together, share their work, and inspire one another. We were delighted that Alan Mills, Environmental Sustainability Project Officer (Community Projects) at Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, who has been supporting the Trust with their sustainability journey, was able to attend the event. The result was a purposeful event that brought our values to life.
The summit opened with a few words from Sue Wardlow, the Trust’s CEO, followed by a thought-provoking presentation from our Greensand Sustainability Manager, Alice Catling. The presentation centred on understanding climate change and the key areas of focus within the Trust’s sustainability journey, including our Climate Action Plan. This helped the children attending to see how their school-based efforts connect to the bigger picture and understand how they are supported by a wider community of Sustainability Leaders committed to action.
Our young environmentalists from the school Eco Clubs then took turns to present about their school-based projects and learning, including becoming or maintaining Green Flag school status, cycle/scoot to school initiatives, making the most of school gardens and biodiverse wildlife spaces, waste and energy reduction schemes, recycling drives and climate-themed learning. Although different, all of the presentations were underpinned by the same sense of challenge, purpose and passion.
To commemorate the occasion, Alan Mills then presented each Eco Club with a young tree to plant at their school, a lasting symbol of their contribution to the Trust’s sustainability work. Along with the tree, children received a specially engraved slate marker to place alongside their tree to celebrate this inaugural event. Together, these gifts will serve as a reminder that small actions, when nurtured, can grow into something truly impactful.
It is our hope that the Eco Summit will become an annual event to help inspire our young environmentalists with an opportunity for children to challenge one another’s thinking, support one another’s ideas, and collaborate in shaping a greener, brighter future for all. By giving our children a platform to present and lead a focus in their school, we are enabling them to step into their greatness.
Alice Catling, the Trust’s Sustainability Manager, said:
“Our first ever Greensand Eco Summit 2025 was a great success. It was great to see schools proudly sharing the innovative and thoughtful ways they are learning about and caring for our planet. A powerful reminder that real change starts with education and action.”
Minal, pupil at Milton Mount said:
“I thought the Eco Summit was really fun and I enjoyed listening to what the other schools had done.”
