£45,000 prize pool for school eco-garden competition

London Stansted is inviting local schools to enter an eco-garden competition for a chance to win a share of  £45,000.

Primary schools within a ten-mile radius of the airport are being encouraged to submit designs for gardens or green spaces that improve biodiversity.

A share of £45,000 is up for grabs, with three schools receiving up to £10,000 and another three receiving up to £5,000 depending on the scale of the project.

The winning ideas will be judged to have the greatest environmental impact and receive the cash to bring their designs to life.

Adam Freeman, MAG’s Head of ESG and Environment Strategy, said:

“I encourage all eligible schools to get involved in this exciting project which will be hugely beneficial on so many levels.

“Not only will it lead to the creation of new wonderful and rich green spaces and provide children with an excellent learning experience, but it will also contribute to their mental and physical well-being and highlight how important it is to respond to today’s climate challenge.

“Addressing this is one of our key priorities as the airport continues its recovery from the pandemic.

“We are fully focused on how this can be achieved sustainably and to help accelerate our progress towards becoming a Net Zero Carbon business by 2038, and a Net Zero Carbon industry by 2050.”

The competition runs until October 28, 2022, when designs will be assessed by a panel of experts including members of the airport’s corporate social responsibility and environment teams.

Daniel Burford, Stansted Airport’s Community Engagement Manager, said:

“We are thrilled to be launching this project, which contributes to the airport's longstanding commitment to environmental sustainability, as well as creating a lasting legacy for future generations in the local community.

“Judges will be looking for designs that incorporate innovative ways to make any space that schools have environmentally richer and more diverse.

“It could be transforming concrete, improving the biodiversity of a playing field or growing food.

“Schools that have little outdoor space are urged to consider vertical gardens, making the most of walls and fences.

“It is also important for schools to showcase how an eco-garden can be used for outdoor learning, recreation, and well-being.”

Schools interested in getting involved should visit www.stanstedairport.com/community/community-support/eco-garden/