Eco-entrepreneurs at Corbridge Middle School are celebrating after winning a national award for their ethical grow-your-own meal kits.
  

The Go Green Gorillas were one of four teams to bag a £1,000 grant at the finals of the Young Green Briton Challenge.  
 

Students were tasked with putting their design, innovation and business skills to the test – to create Eco-Ventures or Eco-Campaigns to provide solutions to climate and sustainability issues.  
 

The team travelled to the House of Lords in Westminster where they wowed the judging panel with their innovative seed kits designed to encourage other schools to grow their own meals.   
 

They now plan to use the cash to invest further in the garden, where the pupils have grown salad for school dinners, created a wormery to make fertiliser and hold plant and seed sales to raise funds.  
 

Adele Brown, Headteacher, Corbridge Middle School said: "We were absolutely thrilled that our Year 7 group, the Go Green Gorillas, won a prize at the Young Green Briton Challenge.  
 

"They have secured additional funding for their school garden project.  
 

"They have all worked so hard and were able to showcase all of their fantastic efforts at the event in London.  
 

"We are incredibly proud of them all and we look forward to seeing the school garden continue to blossom and grow.  
 

"Well done everyone!"  
 

In their project report for the judges the Go Green Gorillas said: "With our grant we plan on helping schools that are less fortunate than us when it comes to creating a little garden of their own, we hope to give away our grow-your-own kits and garden books to educate others on gardening, not only is it great for the planet but is great for our mental well-being." 
 

The school is committed to embedding sustainability in school life. Its pupil-led EcoCommitte has published an EcoCharter – outlining the actions it wishes to take to make the school more sustainable. 
 

Dr Meryl Batchelder is a science subject leader at Corbridge Middle School in Northumberland and was one of the first UN-accredited climate change teachers.  
 

Dr Batchelder said: "The Young Green Briton Challenge has allowed our Year 7s to begin to understand that, although they face serious environmental issues on our rapidly changing planet, by thinking creatively, working as a team and taking action they can not only become changemakers but also have fun in the process." 
 

In 2019, the Council declared a ‘climate emergency’ - vowing to half its carbon footprint by 2025 and make the county carbon neutral by 2030.  

Recently the Council has committed to improving the environment over the coming years through a refresh of its Climate Change Action Plan. From dealing with littering to creating more green spaces and woodlands, the Council will be working hard to ensure the county’s stunning natural resources are protected and enhanced, now and in the future.   
 

Last year, the Council launched a student-led Northumberland Schools Sustainability Network (NSSN) is a partnership with Ministry of Eco Education, UK Schools Sustainability Network and Global Action Plan to support schools to realise their sustainability aspirations.  
 

Council Leader and Cabinet member with responsibility for climate change said: “I love seeing young people so passionate about making a difference. The challenge involved 3,000 young people across 16 schools, so their win is really sensational.    
 

“The whole school community’s commitment to protecting the environment and tackling climate change is truly inspiring and I look forward to seeing how they use this funding to continue their great work.”