In September 2025, the Climate Resilient Schools Project was launched by Little Green Change with funding from Dorset Council. This initiative aims to support schools in West Dorset by providing free site visits, climate change assemblies, and a kid-friendly school audit.
The focus of the project is to educate students about climate change and its effects on both people and nature. Students are encouraged to think critically about their school environment and come up with practical ways to make it more sustainable.
Schools such as Sticklands Primary, Salwayash Primary, Loders Primary Academy, and Marshwood Primary Academy are part of this initiative. At Sticklands, for example, they’ve introduced several eco-friendly features. These include bike racks to encourage cycling, water butts for harvesting rainwater, and bird nest boxes that attract local species like coal tits and blue tits. They’ve also planted fruit trees and sown wildflowers to create bee-friendly spaces.
As Katherine Will, a teacher at Sticklands, mentioned, “We are very grateful for our new items. Our SuDS team is set to install new surfaces and planting areas soon, which will complement our new eco-friendly items.” This enthusiasm shows the community’s commitment to making practical changes.
The broader goal of the Climate Resilient Schools Project is to foster awareness among children about climate impacts and inspire actions that benefit their communities. Schools will serve as living examples of what can be done to reduce environmental footprints and adapt to challenges posed by climate change.
According to a recent study by the UK’s Committee on Climate Change, educational initiatives like this are essential. They revealed that only 22% of students understand the severe impacts of climate change. Programs that engage students directly are vital for closing this knowledge gap.
Moreover, projects like this reflect a growing trend towards sustainability in education. In 2023, 70% of surveyed schools in the UK reported increased interest in climate-related topics among students. This demonstrates a shift in priorities towards more environmentally conscious practices.
The Climate Resilient Schools Project is available to all state-funded primary and secondary schools in West Dorset. Schools interested in joining can reach out to Little Green Change for more information.
