Wyke's Eco Group has been recognised for its outstanding commitment to environmental sustainability, winning the Nature Friendly School Award at the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust's Wildlife Hero Awards.
The award celebrates schools and colleges across the region that are making a significant impact through environmental action, conservation projects and student-led initiatives.
Announcing the award, judges praised the group's ambitious vision and the remarkable progress they have already achieved. What began as a simple project to install swift boxes has grown into the wider Wilder Wyke initiative, which aims for 30% of the college campus to support nature by 2030.
The judging panel highlighted the group's ability to translate global environmental ambitions into meaningful local action. Students have raised more than £600 through fundraising activities, enabling the installation of swift boxes and helping to launch a range of wider conservation projects. The judges were particularly impressed that these achievements have been driven largely by students volunteering their own time and energy. The Eco Group enrichment is championed by Geography teacher Kerry Thompson, who proudly collected the award at the weekend ceremony. Judges also recognised her leadership and support in inspiring lasting environmental change across the college.
Working closely with staff and college leaders, students researched, consulted and developed a detailed biodiversity plan that received full approval from the college's leadership team.
The Eco Group has already delivered a number of significant improvements across the campus, including:
Looking ahead, the group has ambitious plans for a wildflower meadow, ponds, rain planters and further habitat creation, all supported by a comprehensive three-year action plan.
The judges were particularly impressed that these achievements have been driven largely by students volunteering their own time and energy. They also recognised the leadership and support provided by Kerry, whose guidance has helped inspire lasting environmental change across the college.
The impact of the Eco Group can be seen not only across the campus but also in the experiences of the students involved.
Hamish Millar, a former Goole Academy student and active member of the Eco Group, said, "We have won the Nature Friendly School Award from the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust due to all our hard work. Kerry, who runs the Eco Group, collected the award on behalf of everyone involved. This is a fantastic achievement for the group and the college."
Hamish also highlighted the value of the project for his future ambitions, "This is definitely going to be one of the highlights of my personal statement and CV. I am hoping to study Geography at university or pursue a degree apprenticeship as an Environmental Practitioner, so being involved in this project shows my dedication to the subject and how proactive I am in helping our environment."
Amelia Hilton, a former Hymers College student, described the hands-on opportunities available through the enrichment, "Recently we took part in wildflower meadow planting, sowing seeds and helping create new habitats for wildlife. It has been really exciting to be involved and now we get to watch it grow."
Looking to the future, Amelia added, "We're also creating a pond as part of the project's next phase. Eco Group is allowing me to expand my geographical understanding, both human and physical, while also helping tackle issues that are becoming increasingly important because of climate change."
In presenting the award, judges described the project as a model for other schools and colleges, demonstrating the powerful impact that student-led action can have in supporting nature and biodiversity.
This latest success is a testament to the passion, dedication and determination of Wyke students, who continue to make a positive difference both on campus and within the wider community.
Congratulations to everyone involved in this fantastic achievement.
