The largest school climate conference ever held in Bath and North East Somerset has brought together hundreds of students to explore how small actions can make a big difference.
Hosted by Hayesfield Girls’ School on 18 March, the event welcomed 180 pupils aged 11–18 from 20 secondary schools across the region.
The conference was supported by the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership and Bath & North East Somerset Council, with each school sending a delegation of students to take part in a packed day of workshops, talks and activities.
Centred around the theme Small Changes Make a Big Difference, the programme featured eight interactive workshops led by organisations including Greenpeace, Eco Together, Share & Repair and Energy Sparks.
Students also heard from keynote speakers Paul Hargreaves, a B Corp ambassador, and adventurer and filmmaker James Levelle, who shared insights into sustainable business and global climate action.
The day concluded with a lively Eco Fair, giving young people the chance to connect directly with local organisations working on climate and nature initiatives.
Transition Bath helped shape the event by recommending speakers and hosting an interactive stall, where pupils could take part in activities such as a Sustainability Spinner to inspire personal pledges and a thermal imaging station exploring energy use.
Other organisations represented included Bath and West Community Energy, the University of Bath, Another Way, Climate Hub, Bath Organic Growers, Share and Repair and Charlcombe Toad Patrol.
The conference reflects Hayesfield’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, including expanded recycling, waste reduction initiatives and a growing focus on biodiversity across the school site.
A spokesperson said, “This conference is about empowering young people to see that small, everyday actions can lead to meaningful change.”
Organisers hope the event will spark continued collaboration and climate action among schools and communities across the region.
