Chew Valley School’s climate-conscious pupils received a visit from Chelwood Bridge Rotary Club on Friday, May 26.

Rotary members were on campus to formally present the Charter Certificate for the Chew Valley School Interact Net Zero Club. Chelwood Bridge president, Andrew Martin, presented the certificate to Oscar, president of the school’s climate club.

The school’s Climate Action Team formed in 2018. They meet on a Friday lunchtime and discuss how they can reduce carbon emissions of the school and local community. The Climate Action Team aim make their school’s internal carbon foot print net zero.

In view of the growing global climate issues, Chelwood Bridge Rotary Club approached the school to form a world-first ‘interact club’ to focus solely on promoting net zero emissions. Interact clubs are Rotary-backed initiatives for young people aged 12 to 18. 

Interact clubs organise at least two projects every year, one that helps their school or community and one that promotes international understanding. On an international level, the Interact Net Zero Club have been working with MEER (Mirrors for Earth's Energy Rebalancing) to fundraise for the installation of reflective roofing in parts of Sierra Leone. This helps create a safe and comfortable living environment for people affected by the heat.

Closer to home, Interact Club members have been invited by Guy Norfolk, Chair of the steering group for Chew Valley Nature Recovery Network, to steward the upcoming Chew Valley NatureFest, which will be held on June 30 at Chew Valley School.

Turn to page 18 for more on Chew Valley NatureFest.