Building a student-led environmental movement

Green Team visit to Nene Park Trust (Ferry Meadows) – student volunteer litter picking

25 September 2026

Read time: 3mins

‘If we give our young people enough support and opportunities beyond the classroom, they can create meaningful environmental change.’

Georgina Gray

From starting my teaching career at Stanground Academy to now entering my fifth year of teaching geography, environmental action has always been a passion project. What began as a lunchtime club has evolved into volunteer action groups and an established, student-led environmental network. So, how have we achieved this?

Facing global issues often feels overwhelming to students so our group began by assessing what is most significant to the school and our community. Using the Eco Schools programme, we completed an environmental review and identified litter as an increasing problem.

In an academy with almost 2,000 students, our small group needed some inspiration for how to enact change. Through meeting a local group, the Litter Wombles, students could speak to experienced volunteers with valuable advice, and it encouraged them to start their own group, the Green Team. This has become our longest-running initiative with weekly litter picking in the local community.

Furthermore, our students were interested in biodiversity and enjoyed more creative aspects of the club, such as creating bird feeders and seed bombs. Therefore, on a rewards trip for the Green Team, I incorporated some time exploring Nene Park Trust, their bug hotels, bird boxes and wildlife habitats (as well as a session of litter picking of course). Students have since planted trees provided by the Woodland Trust and created designs for the new school garden.

Finally, our main goal has been to raise awareness and increase impact. We have built a network of staff, students, Post-16 prefects and volunteers, which has created opportunities to reach the wider community.

For example, a collaboration with the Student Union and textiles department led to our SWISH Fashion event. School community and the wider public were encouraged to donate clothing, learn about upcycling and the impact of fast fashion and take items home with them.

My main takeaway? If we give our young people enough support and opportunities beyond the classroom, they can create meaningful environmental change.

Written by Georgina Gray, teacher of geography at Stanground Academy

© Georgina Gray and The Geographical Association, 2026