Education in Herefordshire is developing a very much ‘cradle to grave’ approach ie. you are never too young or old to start learning. This is demonstrated with the rising interest in Forest School Education for pre-school children and the need for those who have been involved in farming all their lives to diversify and re-skill. Family learning, with children and parents spending quality time together learning a new activity is becoming increasingly popular. Many people are also looking for ways to learn to refresh body and mind when busy schedules lead to stress.

However, when we think of education our priorities usually lie in the education of our children, and in Herefordshire we are lucky to have an enormous 80% of schools registered as eco-schools.

The scheme encourages pupil involvement and helps children to take responsibility for the future of their own environment. Having pupils engaged in the whole process, including monitoring, action planning and decision-making, leads to genuine ownership of the programme and a responsibility for the environment.

Eco-schools view Education for sustainability as more than just a curriculum subject - it’s about how we live our lives. With energy monitoring, recycling, composting, wildlife gardening and vegetable growing taking place as part of school life, it is hoped these ideas will be adopted at homes that are lagging behind in the sustainability stakes.

Schools are rewarded for their efforts with bronze and silver awards and the prestigious green flag award. 10 Herefordshire schools currently have green flag status.

For those opting out of state education, the Hereford Waldorf School provides Steiner education (viewing pupils as individuals, with no testing or streaming). Herefordshire also has a large home education group network.

In Herefordshire, schools and home education groups can visit St Mary’s at Lugwardine Court or Madley Environmental Study Centre to learn more about the Environment and sustainability. Secret Hills and the Primrose Earth Awareness Trust also offer environmental education and are just outside the county. These Centres also offer workshops, family learning and usually hold events and open days throughout the year.

Herefordshire is also in the fortunate position of having excellent further education colleges, particularly Holme Lacy College which is leading the way in providing courses on sustainable agriculture and land management. It provides a wide range of full, part time and short courses.