The town council and Kenilworth School are working together to take climate action.

Recently, the Kenilworth Town Council (KTC) climate emergency group, along with members of Friends of Talisman Square and Bee Friendly Kenilworth, visited the new Glasshouse Lane site to hear about the work of the Year 13 eco committee (Joe, Kate and Francesca, supported by Dr Kathyrn Parsons) and to find out how councillors can support their projects.

The Eco Committee's focus covers three strands: transport, waste and biodiversity. 

On the first, the group discussed ways KTC can support a school transport survey, and work with students to promote ways to reduce congestion, improve air quality and encourage active travel to and from school.

On waste, the group heard about the Year 13 plans with Plastic Free Kenilworth and workshopped other ways to reduce single use plastic in the canteen and across the school.

Regarding biodiversity, the Friends of Talisman Square and Bee Friendly Kenilworth are supporting the group with pollinator-friendly planting on the school site, and other future projects, including the relocation of some of the Talisman community garden plants which were moved on 10 March 2024. The group hopes the wider school community will also have an opportunity to get involved.

Cllr Zoe Leventhal, who organised the meeting, said: "It was inspiring to hear from Joe, Kate and Francesca about their focussed plans - they are taking really positive action and making a big difference already.

"Their leadership in the school shows dedication, and they are already inspiring the younger year groups to get more involved.

advertisement

"We are pleased to be able to support their work, and look forward to collaborating on projects over the next few months. Huge thanks to them and to Dr Parsons for sharing their work and showing us around the site."

Joe Reil, chair of the Y13 Eco Committee, said: "We were very happy with the progress of the meeting and we thank the KTC for their support!

"We can't wait to work with them on our future projects that are in the pipeline.

"It is great to see the council working together with the local community and us at the school to attack some of the pressing issues our country faces."