Merseyside: Young environmental champions welcome MP Dame Angela Eagle to celebrate work at St Mary's

St Mary's students from Changemaker Project and staff with Dame Angela Eagle, MP

Students at St Mary's Catholic College, Wallasey, recently showcased their passion for biodiversity and sustainability during a special visit from Rt Hon Dame Angela Eagle, MP for Wallasey, celebrating their achievements as part of the Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust's (HFCMAT) 'Changemaker Project'.

During the visit, Dame Angela Eagle toured the school and met students involved in the Changemaker Project, hearing first-hand about the ideas, initiatives and practical actions they have developed to support biodiversity in their school environment.

Developed in partnership with Chester Zoo and the University of Manchester, the Changemaker Project brings together young eco-councillors from schools across the Trust.

The initiative empowers students to become environmental leaders in their school communities, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and confidence to take meaningful action on environmental issues.

The visit was an opportunity for the children to share their learning, demonstrate their passion for protecting the natural world and explain how young people can make a meaningful difference to the environment.

Students at St Mary's have embraced the project with a focus on biodiversity, exploring the practical ways they can enhance their school environment and support nature.

The environmental champions spoke confidently and enthusiastically about their work, showcasing the knowledge and skills they have gained through the project and highlighting the importance of giving young people a voice in shaping a more sustainable future.

As part of the initiative, students have also attended educational sessions at Chester Zoo, worked alongside environmental experts and developed their creative thinking, teamwork and problem-solving skills. They have since brought their learning back into school, turning their ideas into action and encouraging others to think about the importance of protecting the natural world.

Rt Hon Dame Angela Eagle said: "It's always a pleasure to pay a visit to St Mary's, and I've been coming for over 34 years now as the local MP. The changemakers at St Mary's should be proud of the work they're doing to improve the natural world in and around their school.

"I know young people in Wallasey and across the country care deeply about environmental protection and biodiversity. They want to live in a world where we respect and protect our environment. As Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, that's something I work towards every day."

Headteacher, Mr Kevin Maddocks, commented: "We were delighted to welcome MP Dame Angela Eagle to St Mary's and give our students the opportunity to share their fantastic work on biodiversity and sustainability. They were incredibly excited to talk about the Changemaker Project and explain the positive steps they are taking to make a difference to our school environment.

"The visit was a real opportunity to celebrate their hard work and enthusiasm, and we are very proud of the way they are embracing their role as young environmental champions."

CEO of HFCMAT, Mr Andy Moor, added: "At HFCMAT, our ambition is for every child and young person to thrive in an ever-changing world. The Changemaker Project is a great example of this ambition in action. Students at St Mary's are taking what they have learnt and are using it to make a real difference to their school environment.

"It is important that our young people understand that their actions matter, and we are proud to see them taking such a positive approach to protecting the world around them."

Located in Wallasey Village, St Mary's Catholic College is an 11-18 Catholic Academy and is proud to be part of the Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust. More details can be found at: www.stmaryswallasey.com and https://hfcmat.com/