A BRIDGWATER primary school has received an award to recognise its efforts to help wildlife and improve water quality along the Somerset coastline.

Eastover Primary School has received recognition after it signed up to the Coastal Champions Award in September.

The award was co-created by Somerset Wildlife Trust and Litter Free Coast & Sea to encourage schools to make simple changes to help make a positive difference to waterways and coastal wildlife and environments.

It helps schools embed good practices including helping nature conservation, using resources sustainably, and putting sound environmental policies in place. 

Eastover is one of 15 schools taking part in the award. 

Tilda Gibbs, Somerset Wildlife Trust’s coastal engagement officer, has recognised the positive impact the award has had on Eastover pupils.

She said: “Children from Eastover Primary have really embraced the award.

“It is fantastic to see how they are transforming their passion for protecting our coastal wildlife into meaningful wildlife-friendly actions in their school, such as making changes to the school grounds to increase biodiversity, reducing waste, taking part in beach cleans, and connecting with our brilliant coast to promote positive changes.” 

The initiative has five steps for schools that get involved: ‘Sign up’, ‘Identify fellow coastal champions and pick your A-team’, ‘Set to work’, ‘It's action time’, and ‘Actions speak louder than words’.

Other local schools taking part in the award are Pawlett Primary School, Northgate Primary School, Otterhampton Primary School (all Bridgwater), East and West Huntspill Primary School, Mark Church of England VC First School, St Andrew's CofE Junior School, and East Brent Pre-School (Burnham and Highbridge area).