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Print articleSomerset County Council and the Somerset and Exmoor Environmental Education Forum have teamed up for the four Big Green Days. They will play host to more than 400 children from 13 primary schools from across the county, being held at Fyne Court on the Quantocks on 11 and 17 July, Nettlecombe Court near Williton on 12 July, and Glastonbury Abbey on 13 July.
The activities will raise awareness of climate change as an urgent issue for Somerset, while showing that by working together we can tackle it. Somerset Wildlife Trust, Somerset Waste Action Programme, the Field Studies Council, the Exmoor National Park education Service and Glastonbury Abbey are all partners in the events.
The Big Green Days are funded by Somerset County Council's 'Rising to the Challenge' campaign, one of 82 projects in the UK funded by Defra's Climate Challenge Fund. It is one of a number of initiatives and policies being pursued by the Authority to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote sustainable development and protect the natural environment.
At each event children will be able to take part in three workshops:
The Rise to the Challenge Show produced by the Big Wheel Theatre Company. This includes a game show to become 'Rulers of the World' and a guest appearance from James Bond in his new film 'Greenfinger'.
Somerset Wildlife Trust, the Field Studies Council and the Exmoor National Park Education team will be leading environmental games looking at how the county's wildlife will be affected by climate change.
Somerset Waste Action Programme will be running a 'Solar Energy Challenge' in which the children can make solar-powered boats from recycling packaging and a solar panel.
Frances Stuart, Education Manager for Somerset Wildlife Trust who is coordinating the event, said:
?The response from schools has been fantastic. We had originally planned just three days but demand has been so great that we've had to add an extra day. This is an exciting opportunity for us to reach out in a new way to this crucial audience.?
Somerset County Council's Ruth Baker, who is coordinating the Rising to the Challenge campaign, said:
?These children could be seriously affected by climate change, but they can also play a major role in preventing it. We want to let people know that climate change will have impacts on people here in Somerset, but that we are not powerless to make a difference.?
Councillor Alvin Horsfall, Somerset County Council's Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, said:
?Tackling climate change is probably the most fundamental challenge facing all our communities. It is important that Somerset County Council takes a lead and encourages others to follow. With this campaign and our other environmental initiatives, Somerset is punching above it weight regionally and nationally on this vitally important issue.?
