Schools from across Peterborough have been able to showcase eco-projects they have been working on over the last academic year.

Last week saw PECT’s 12th annual Eco Awards, sponsored by Milestone Infrastructure, take place at ARU Peterborough, showcasing the eco-education projects of local schools over the last academic year.

The students had the opportunity to display their eco-projects and share their expertise with the new mayor of Peterborough, Councillor Nick Sandford, sponsors, and other students who judged their work – voting for their favourites.

They also had the opportunity to get involved in a range of eco-activities, such as tackling waste through VR headsets with Viridor, soil sampling with Sacrewell Farm, building water filters and environmental surveying with ARU Peterborough, and learning about land and wildlife with Fens Falconry, which included an appearance from a friendly Kestrel.

"Local students have been doing amazing work to improve our environment, and we delighted to celebrate that at the Eco Awards 2023," said PECT's environmental education lead, Heidi Latronico-Ferris.

"All the sponsors and VIP guests agreed that the student project displays were outstanding, and all the schools left with an award, fresh ideas and enthusiasm to prepare for their next project."

This year’s event also included a range of new awards celebrating schools that have been dedicated to the environment year on year receiving a special Eco Charter Sustainable School plaque to display in their schools.

The Milestone Special Award (won by Thomas Deacon Academy) and Viridor Special Award (won by Orton Wistow Primary School) included prizes of a £200 school gardening gift voucher and a free educational trip to the Energy Recovery Facility, respectively.

Peterborough Matters: The Milestone Special Award was won by the Thomas Deacon Academy.The Milestone Special Award was won by the Thomas Deacon Academy. (Image: PECT)