A PROJECT to help children across the New Forest make their schools more environmentally friendly has received a major cash boost.

Eco-Schools, the largest schools sustainability programme in the world, aims to inspire pupils through a range of activities, campaigns and projects taught within the national curriculum.

Now Eco-Schools is coming to the Forest – thanks to a £20,000 grant from the National Park Authority’s Sustainable Communities Fund (SCF).

A total of 16 schools will receive help towards their goal of becoming more sustainable across nine areas including litter, transport and healthy living.

Teachers will be supported through a combination of advice, learning matter and workshops, while pupils will be involved in activities as diverse as bug surveys, recycling and walk-to-school weeks.

The scheme will be run by biologist and sustainability expert Gill Hickman.

She said: “It’s so important that children know about recycling, healthy living, energy use and all other aspects of a sustainable life.

“By teaching the next generation about how their actions affect their local environment – and the world – I hope they will take their own steps to solve problems that surround them.”

Gill voiced her gratitude for the support the scheme had received from the National Park Authority (NPA).

She said: “It’s essential for this project and without it the scheme would simply not be able to run. The NPA has also been very helpful in providing great advice.”

The SCF aims to help promote sustainable living and working within the National Park by funding up to 75 per cent of the cost of individual projects.

Almost £70,000 was allocated by the SCF at its latest meeting.

Projects awarded grants included the restoration of the area surrounding the Walhampton Monument near Lymington and a scheme to install eco-lighting at a community centre in Hyde.

Anyone wishing to apply for cash from the SCF should call 01590 646634 or e-mail scf@newforestnpa.gov.uk.