Langley Park Primary School Eco-Warriors lead the way in saving the planet

The passionate pupils have been learning about the steps they can take to protect the planet, and are now putting their knowledge into action, inspiring their peers and community with their environmental efforts.

As part of this, the eco-warriors have been hard at work creating a mini fruit and vegetable allotment at their school as part of their work with School Food Matters, a charity that teaches children about food through hands-on programmes.

The green-thumbed pupils have been cultivating seedlings and growing plants to help save nature and encourage others to learn about the importance of a healthy diet with thanks to the charity’s School Garden Grant.

Recently, the young advocates were invited to School Food Matters’ Young Marketeers Market Day at Borough Market, where they sold their school-grown vegetables in aid of Plan Zheroes, a charity tackling food waste.

Speaking about their day at the market, the children expressed their excitement, with pupil Connie saying, “I loved everything about the day,” and Anna and Ameerah saying that “the best part was earning money for charity, meeting the Mayor, and growing the crops.”

The children are already looking forward to returning to Borough Market for their next crop in summer 2025.

At Langley Park Primary, eco-warriors also play an important role on the school site, including helping others to follow the eco-code; monitoring energy use; and encouraging their peers to recycle and learn about the planet through pupil-led discussions.

With pupils having loved the programme so far, the school is delighted to be helping other local schools and pupils to get involved in gardening, with plans already in the works. In 2025, the school will be hosting a School Food Matters gardener to demonstrate how school gardens can be integrated into the curriculum and inviting teachers from nearby schools to learn how they can get started with their own food growing adventure.

Sarah Kluzek, Headteacher at Langley Park Primary School, said:“Being an Eco-Warrior at Langley Park Primary School is about much more than growing vegetables. It empowers our pupils to take an active role in their school and the community, alongside understanding their role in protecting the planet. By participating in these initiatives, pupils not only help the planet but also develop vital skills such as confidence, teamwork, and communication.

“We are so proud to see how much our pupils have loved getting involved with this work and to see their delight as we’ve transformed our outdoor space into an exciting allotment that helps them engage with nature and demonstrate how small actions can make a big difference.”

Rachel Copus, Programmes Officer at School Food Matters, said: “At School Food Matters, we want every child to learn about food and enjoy nature, and the best way to do that is through getting their hands in the soil. Our programmes not only teach children where food comes from and inspire healthier eating, but they also encourage the next generation to become environmental stewards and custodians of our precious planet.

“It’s so inspiring to see the children at the schools we work with, including Langley Park Primary, building those important skills, which will no doubt serve them and our environment in the future.”