Young Eco Champions empowered to spark climate action across Richmond upon Thames

45 primary school pupils from 8 local schools across Richmond upon Thames came together this week for an inspiring Eco Summit designed to empower young people to take action for nature and the climate.

Opening the event, Councillor Neden-Watts, Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee said: 

“The Eco Summit is about giving our young Eco Champions the confidence, knowledge and inspiration to turn passion for nature and the world around them into action. Whether that is by supporting wildlife in their school grounds or encouraging their friends and families to make small changes that add up. 

“I am so pleased that pupils from across the borough are coming together to learn from one another and help shape a greener future for Richmond upon Thames.” 

Held at Orleans House Gallery, the summit welcomed the pupils for a day of hands-on workshops, creative activities and shared learning with local environmental experts. 

This year’s event focused on helping pupils renew their relationship with nature, learn practical ways to support local ecosystems and return to their school communities with fresh ideas for climate and sustainability projects. 

Throughout the day, pupils took part in workshops and activities that included learning about minibeasts and creating bug hotels with Habitats and Heritage, a plant listening and drawing workshop with artist Sarina Mantle from Wildsuga, an activity about air quality inviting pupils to design their future neighbourhoods, and a tree storytelling session with Kew Gardens. 

Orleans House Gallery encouraged pupils to reflect on their relationship with nature and what it means for people, places and communities.

The day ended with Natty Speaks helping pupils create a rap, spoken word piece or message for the ecosystem at Orleans House Gallery, with recordings to be shared on the Echoes app for visitors exploring the woods.

The summit supports local schools, pupils and teachers with their climate and sustainability goals, inspiring Eco Champions with ideas they can take back to their school. Schools inspired to develop new projects can also explore support through our climate microgrants and access the Climate Resources Hub to discover more climate resources. 

Residents can also subscribe to the monthly climate newsletter to find out more about local climate and sustainability news, initiatives and events.

Rap written by a student as part of the workshop with Natty Speaks: 

Hey! You see the beauty around you, its being destroyed! But, you can make a difference, yes you! 
Yeah we're bringin’ some hope, to creation every day. 
Yeah nature, reforesting, cultural conserving! 
Everyday! You and me together, every day.