The fourth annual Young ACAN Schools’ Eco Conference on Friday 30^th January at Alton College brought together an incredible 100 children and young people from 14 local schools, including Eggar’s and Bushy Leaze Nursery.

The theme this year was ‘Eating for our Planet.” Food is the biggest single contributor to climate change.  Pupils were empowered with lots of information and ideas to make the right food choices for their health and the planet.

Young ACAN lead and event organiser, Emma Jones, said. “The Young ACAN Schools’ Partnership brings together all our local schools, including Bushy Leaze Nursery and Alton College.  Each academic year, we launch a project and then meet every half-term at Alton College to deliver that project in our schools.  The impact of working together is huge with a wonderful ripple effect of children sharing their knowledge of environmental issues with their friends and families.” Emma’s speech was followed by an interactive food quiz led by environmental scientist and educator, Scott Gudrich, who also leads Young ACAN.

No less than ten different workshops centred around the theme ‘Eating for our Planet’ were delivered by local organisations, teachers and businesses, including Fill Up, Street Croft Farm, the Ministry of Eco Education and Milk Club who is sponsoring Young ACAN this year.  Mel Ford from Sustainabites, who led a fun and interactive workshop based on a board game, said: “We were thrilled to be part of such a special event. It really filled us with hope and inspiration! And the kids were SO impressive!!!”

Another highlight was the Smoothie Bike Company: all the children discovered first-hand how much energy is required to make a smoothie drink and how delicious healthy eating is! 

Pupils have been empowered by the conference to organise a whole-school food event to spread the word about sustainable and healthy eating.  Teacher Joe Wallis, from Wootey Junior School, commented that “[…] the children left really buzzing with ideas to take back to school.”

The children thanked those that had made the conference possible: Alton College for hosting the event, and for funding: Tom Moore from Milk Club, and EHDC Councillors Emily Young and Warren Moore for their grants.