Schools in the Forest of Dean have just a few days left to apply for Eco-Schools funding.

They are being encouraged to apply for funding to help them take part in the internationally recognised Eco-Schools Green Flag programme, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

The initiative introduces students of all ages to global environmental issues, including around waste, water, litter, biodiversity and energy, and encourages pupils to deliver eco-projects which will make their schools more sustainable, increase environmental learning and benefit their local community.

Funding from Forest of Dean District Council will cover the registration costs for up to 12 local primary and secondary schools. The council is also offering a £100 top-up per school, to put towards equipment to support their chosen activities and projects.

Cllr Jackie Fraser, cabinet member for environment at Forest of Dean District Council, said: "We are delighted to be offering funding for the Eco-Schools programme for a second year. Last year, 12 local schools took up the challenge. We hope more schools will be inspired by their progress and put themselves forward to take part in this important initiative, so that more young people can be supported to take positive action to protect the environment.

"In addition to the funding, each participating school will be matched to a mentor for extra support. This year, we're also inviting teachers who are leading on the work within their schools to be part of our Green Educators Network. This new initiative will give teachers the opportunity to collaborate and share their experiences of the programme and hear from external speakers who can offer support with running Eco-School activities to maximise the benefits."

For the first time, successful schools will also be asked to sign up to the Let's Go Net Zero school campaign. The free campaign provides complementary activities for schools taking part in the Eco-Schools programme and includes the opportunity to get free one-to-one support from a climate action adviser, as well as access to resources to develop a school climate action plan.

Yorkley Primary School is one of the schools which took part last year, successfully gaining their Green Flag status in the summer.

Sophie Breese, year 6 teacher, said: "The pupils were extremely keen to get involved in the Eco-Schools project and they set up an eco-committee to kick-start the process, with two students from each year group attending.

"The children have been busy designing new labels for the school's bins, supporting the local Trussell Trust community food bank, litter picking and, with the support of our PTA, spent a lot of time enhancing our sensory garden area, all as a result of the programme. The committee is now looking at new environmental projects it can get involved in."

Last year, the Eco-Schools programme saw an incredible response from Forest of Dean schools. Along with the 497 young people recorded as taking part in a litter pick, 45 trees were planted, 575 outdoor plants and 68 natural habitats were either introduced or maintained, and 60 second-hand sales or swapping events were held.

Schools which have already obtained the award are encouraged to continue with their eco-journeys and build on their achievements from the previous academic year. Schools which were successful in their application last year will be able to re-apply for a second year of funding, along with schools considering the programme for the first time.

The deadline for applications for Eco-Schools funding from the Forest of Dean District Council is 10am on Monday, September 30. Schools wishing to apply need to submit their request online here.