News & Headteacher Blogs

Press Release:

The Downs School is proud to announce an exciting environmental initiative as part of its commitment to sustainability and biodiversity. In collaboration with Carbon Footprint, a renowned company dedicated to environmental sustainability, the school hosted a two-day tree planting event in January.

This initiative, spearheaded by the school’s Eco Club, involves the planting of 200 native sapling trees, including Blackthorn, Crab Apple, English Oak, Silver Birch, and Hawthorn, in an area adjacent to the school field. The project aims to transform an underutilised space into a thriving natural habitat, enhancing biodiversity and creating a greener environment for the school community.

‘Our Eco Club students have worked so hard over the past three years, and their passion and dedication have helped us achieve the Eco Schools Green Flag two years running. This tree-planting event is a fantastic opportunity for them to see their efforts come to life while contributing to our school’s climate action plan. It’s about more than planting trees—it’s about fostering a sense of stewardship and showing our students that they can make a real difference for the environment." Helen Hicks, Head of Geography & Sustainability Lead

With participation from students, staff, and parents, as well as local councillors and external representatives who were eager to support this meaningful initiative.

Headteacher Mr Chris Prosser said ‘It’s inspiring to see young people so dedicated to environmental causes, especially when they have put in the effort over such a long period. The tree planting event is such another brilliant initiative and it  is so rewarding to see them take such ownership of their climate action plan and remain firmly focused on creating a more sustainable future.’

The tree planting also marks an important step in demonstrating The Downs School’s commitment to its Climate Action Plan, aligning with the Government’s target for all education settings to have a sustainability lead and climate action plan by 2025, as outlined in the Department for Education's sustainability and climate change strategy.

Additionally, this initiative supports the objectives of the West Berkshire Environment Strategy 2020-2030, contributing to local efforts in combating climate change and achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.  The school is very committed to driving change for both these targets.