Students explore nature

Sustainability is one of National Star’s core values. We are working hard to reduce our environmental footprint and following a strategy to secure the future of the charity.

A group of student green reps educate their peers and the public on recycling, biodiversity and how they can protect endangered species like hedgehogs.

Student green reps are improving their communication skills, learning teamwork and showcasing their commitment to the environment to the wider community.

Issy, who uses an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device, took the lead in raising awareness of hedgehog preservation by talking to several groups.

She asked for her communication device to be programmed with key facts about hedgehog conservation before speaking to a group of Brownies and the Planet Cheltenham Youth Climate Action Group!

Brownie Leader Hannah McCurdy praised Issy. She said: ‘My group listened attentively when Issy came to speak to us. She helped the younger girls learn some new words, such as ‘nocturnal’ and ‘hibernate’, and there was great disgust when Issy told us about a typical hedgehog diet – worms didn’t sound as tasty to us!’

This spring more than 80 students planted saplings to improve biodiversity on campus.

Thousands of saplings were planted at Ullenwood and Hereford, creating wildlife corridors for hedgehogs, birds and mammals.

‘To address the climate crisis everyone needs to make changes to their lifestyle and it is hoped that students will leave National Star with a deeper understanding of the natural world around them,’ said Elaine Hodgin, Head of Sustainability.