In our ongoing series of 'Sustainable Stories,' we delve into the remarkable work of individuals making significant contributions to sustainability in Dorset. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Edd Moore, a primary school teacher and eco-coordinator at Damers First School. Edd has been instrumental in transforming the school's approach to environmental education and sustainability. Let's explore his journey and the impact of his initiatives.
Tell us a bit about yourself and the work you do with Dorset schools and Damers First School.
I’m a primary school teacher and the eco-coordinator at Damers First School. Over the years, I’ve helped our school transition from having little environmental awareness to becoming one of the top eco schools in the country. It all began with a food growing project where children learned where their food comes from by growing it themselves at the school. This shifted their thinking that it all came from supermarkets towards understanding the seed-to-plate journey. This food garden project expanded into other areas like geography, where students grow vegetables and prepare dishes from different countries, inviting their parents to join in. The ripple effect has been significant, inspiring many families to start their own gardens and allotments.
Our commitment to sustainability didn't stop there. The children raised funds for a food waste composter to produce our own compost. As a result, no food waste leaves our school site. We produce more compost than we need, so we sell the surplus to the community. This initiative has also fostered a strong partnership with the town council, which both donates to and utilises our compost.
Looking beyond food, Biodiversity plays a significant role in our school's eco-initiatives. As part of a national nature park project, we mapped the biodiversity within our school grounds. Our students identified wildflowers and trees, documenting their findings in journals, and then shared their knowledge with staff, the community, and fellow students. Inspired by this, the children proposed rewilding a piece of land, using seeds they collected from the hillfort in Poundbury. This area has now become Damers Meadow. To further engage and educate the community, we raised funds to install an educational board in the meadow. This board features a QR code, allowing visitors to access additional information on our school website.
Has your work at Damers First School inspired other schools in the area to adopt similar practices?
Yes, it certainly has. For instance, St Osmunds, after seeing our food waste composter, adopted a similar system, with their year 7 and 8 students running it.
Many of our students move on to St Osmunds, carrying the eco-conscious mindset with them, which they then extend into middle and secondary school. The eco journey that starts at Damers continues through their education, creating a strong thread of environmental awareness across multiple schools. Some of the children I taught 12 years ago are now leading the eco movement in secondary school.
It's fantastic to hear about the collaborative efforts within your Eco Group and across the Wessex MAT schools. Could you share how these collaborations have enhanced school-based sustainability initiatives across Dorset?
Collaboration has been key. We have 12 schools in the Wessex MAT, each with a climate lead working towards the DfE's environment strategy. We meet every term and share knowledge and strategies. Each school has developed its own climate action plan and signed up to the 'Let’s Go Zero' campaign, aiming for net-zero by 2030. This collective effort not only strengthens our initiatives but also empowers our students to push for broader changes, like declaring a climate emergency and working on biodiversity projects.
The Let's Go Zero Schools Campaign and your involvement with Eco-Schools Green Flag are impressive. Could you elaborate on how these initiatives have supported your school in achieving its sustainability goals?
Both initiatives have provided a robust framework and valuable resources. 'Let’s Go Zero' aligns perfectly with the Eco-Schools Green Flag's seven steps, guiding us through practical actions and goals. These initiatives have supported us in areas like waste reduction, energy efficiency, and community engagement. For example, our campaign for a cycle route between Poundbury and Dorchester, led by our students, has gained significant community and council support, showing how empowered students can drive real change.
As climate awareness continues to grow, what upcoming initiatives or projects excite you the most about the future of eco-friendly practices at Damers First School and across Dorset?
We have several exciting projects on the horizon. A big one is our ongoing campaign for the cycle route, which promises to reduce car usage and pollution in our community. Additionally, with the DfE's upcoming digital hub, we’ll have even more resources and lesson plans to help us reach our net-zero targets. These initiatives not only enhance our sustainability efforts but also inspire our students and community to take meaningful action.
Can you tell us more about your personal motivation and how you became passionate about environmental education?
My passion for environmental education started with my grandad, who was a head teacher and an avid gardener. He grew his own food and made his own bread, rarely using supermarkets. His approach to self-sufficiency and sustainable living inspired me. When I started at Damers and saw that the children had little understanding of where their food came from, I knew I wanted to change that. Seeing the impact of our projects on the students and the wider community keeps me motivated.
What advice would you give to other teachers looking to start or enhance sustainability projects in their schools?
Start small and look for quick wins that can have a big impact, like reducing waste or switching to refillable glue sticks. Engage enthusiastic students and make sure every class has an eco-representative. Keep the momentum going by continuously involving the community and tapping into their expertise. Consistency is key—don’t let projects fall by the wayside. With passion and persistence, even small steps can lead to significant changes.
How can the community support your ongoing and future initiatives?
Our children feel empowered to make a change and help their local community. They have inspired many community groups to set up, such as Plastic Free Dorchester, which led to the formation of the Repair Cafe and the Rethink Fashion Week. Community support is crucial. For our cycle route campaign, for instance, writing to the council to express support can make a big difference. People can also get involved by volunteering in our garden projects or supporting local sustainability efforts like the Repair Cafe or Plastic Free Dorchester. Dorchester is a great place, moving in leaps and bounds on the environmental and sustainability front. By working together, we can create a more sustainable and eco-friendly future for our community.
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Edd Moore’s dedication to environmental education and sustainability at Damers First School and beyond is truly inspiring. His work demonstrates the power of community, collaboration, and consistent effort in driving meaningful change. Stay tuned for more stories of sustainability champions making a difference in Dorset.
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Have you been inspired by Edd Moore’s story? Share your thoughts and let us know how your school or community is taking steps towards sustainability. Contact us to get involved or support local environmental initiatives.
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