This half term has been a busy one for Eco Club!
At Tuxford Academy, the Eco Club is dedicated to making a difference—whether through planting trees, reducing waste, or protecting local wildlife. But last week, one student took the club’s mission to a new level when they rescued a hedgehog from harm during an after-school eco session.
The Eco Club had gathered in the school garden, clearing litter and preparing for their latest biodiversity project , when year 9 student Eva spotted something unusual: a small, curled-up hedgehog nestled close to a busy footpath within school. With guidance from Eco Club leaders and teachers, Eva followed the proper steps to help the hedgehog. Wearing gloves, she gently picked up the hedgehog and placed it in a well-ventilated box lined with leaves to keep it calm. After ensuring the hedgehog wasn’t injured, the club relocated it to a safer, sheltered spot in the school’s wildlife area. Well done, Eva!
Students from the school’s Eco Club have been hard at work, building and painting a new seeding bench to support their ongoing sustainability projects. The dedicated group of young environmentalists spent their time constructing the bench from reclaimed materials, giving it a fresh coat of paint to brighten up the school’s green space. The project aims to provide a dedicated area for growing plants from seeds, allowing students to nurture seedlings before they are transplanted into the school’s garden beds. Year 10 student, Rory said, “It’s great to have a space where we can start growing our own vegetables and plant. It makes our school more eco-friendly and helps us learn practical gardening skills.”
Meanwhile, during the February half-term break, Mr Hazlehurst took on an impressive solo challenge—assembling a full-sized polytunnel on school grounds. The polytunnel, a crucial addition to the school’s sustainability efforts, will create a protected environment for plants to grow year-round, extending the growing season and enabling students to cultivate a wider range of produce.
Mr Hazlehurst said, “Having a polytunnel will make a huge difference,” “It allows us to grow more food and provide hands-on learning opportunities for students, even during colder months.”
Eco Club student , Flynn and Eco Club leader Mr Hazlehurst joined forces to plant a new tree on school grounds. The tree, carefully chosen to support local biodiversity, will provide shade, improve air quality, and serve as a long-term contribution to the school’s environmental efforts.
Flynne said “It feels great to be part of something that will last for generations,” “This tree will help wildlife and make our school even greener, which can only be a good thing!”.
Mr Hazlehurst, who has been instrumental in guiding the Eco Club’s projects, emphasised the importance of tree planting. “Planting trees is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to combat climate change and create a better environment for the future.
