Here at HoW College, looking after the local area and doing our bit to fight climate change is of vital importance to us.
We want to encourage everyone to make more environmentally conscious choices and be more eco-friendly at every opportunity possible; that's why we've set up this page to share what we've been doing to lead by example, as well as to share some tips and tricks from our own staff and students on how to make more environmentally conscious choices.
On the page below you will be able to hear about our latest updates on our journey with Plastic Free Communities (PFC) for Worcester and Redditch, as well as what we're doing internally to reduce our waste and recycle. We have also taken the time to share some helpful tips on supporting local wildlife (such as bees and hedgehogs), and we've shared suggestions and resources for schemes that everyone can get involved in to reduce their household waste through Terracycle. Check back for regular updates on our ongoing Eco journey!
Celebrating our Climate Action Rising Stars!
As part of our annual Further Education Award ceremonies, we recognise students who have gone above and beyond to show commitment to tackling sustainability challenges and hurdles. Say hello to our 2025 winners:
Ruby - Redditch and Bromsgrove
Ruby was recognised for being a driving force behind the college's environmental ambitions throughout the year. She played a key role in building habitats for local wildlife in our Tiny Forest and actively participated with litter picks and clothing swap shops that happen at the College.
Daisy - Worcester and Malvern
Daisy was nominated for this award for her growing confidence and genuine commitment to sustainability. She has applied what she has learned in her sustainability unit by reducing waste in her sewing work and making more environmentally conscious choices. Daisy has also taken initiative beyond the classroom, pledging to recycle more at home, creating a plan to improve recycling at college, and suggesting guest speakers to raise awareness.
Our Net Zero Target
As a college, we have a Net Zero Target of 50% by 2030 and we are delighted to say that for 24/25 we are currently at 47%.
Strategic Plan
As part of our strategic plan we have seven strategic themes, one of these themes is 'planet'. Our vision is to raise awareness of and deliver on our sustainability commitment.
What have we done to achieve this?
- The College was named a winner in the Bees’ Needs Champions Awards 2025, a national recognition scheme led by the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). HoW College was recognised in the ‘Communities’ category for its efforts in enhancing pollinator-friendly habitats and encouraging biodiversity across its campuses including Bromsgrove, Redditch and Worcester.
The Three E's: Education, Emissions and Ecology
Below are some stories to show how we're targeting our three E's.
Tiny Forest
In a quiet corner of the Bromsgrove campus, nestled within a wide green field, stands a Tiny Forest—no larger than a tennis court, yet full of quiet promise. Planted in February 2022, the woodland began its journey, and three years later, an ecologist commissioned by Severn Trent visited to assess its condition, deeming it to be moderate. As spring 2026 arrived, the forest became the focus of renewed care and determination, with a small group of volunteers coming together to nurture its growth. Through litter picking and thoughtful actions guided by expert recommendations, they supported the forest’s development—helping it grow stronger, healthier, and ever closer to becoming a thriving, biodiverse habitat.
Swap Shops
Our latest swap shop took place in Worcester and was a huge success! The room was filled with an amazing community vibe – happy students finding “new-to-them” outfits… completely free. As a result of this swap shop we saw:
- 122 items saved from landfill
- Support for students with the cost of living
- Leftover clothes donated to Maggs Clothing Project
We're proud of these events and the impact they're making for people and the planet.
Bird Preservation on our Campuses
Across our campuses, a simple but powerful action of bird preservation has been taking shape—driven by curiosity, creativity, and care from our students.
As part of their learning, our SEN students have been exploring the world of local wildlife, with a special focus on birds. Their journey began with engaging sessions led by guest speakers from the RSPB and Worcestershire Wildlife Trust. These experts brought the subject to life, helping students discover the variety of birds they might spot in their local area, what these birds eat, and how to identify them in the wild.
Inspired by what they learnt, students turned their knowledge into action. One of their standout projects involved creating life-size bird silhouettes, carefully designed and positioned on large glass windows in our café spaces. These silhouettes act as a simple but effective way to prevent birds from mistaking reflections for open flight paths—helping to reduce collisions and keep local birdlife safe.
But their efforts didn’t stop there. Understanding that healthy habitats are key to supporting wildlife, students also took part in litter picking activities across campus grounds. By clearing waste and improving these spaces, they have played a direct role in creating safer, cleaner environments where birds and other wildlife can thrive.
This hands-on project has not only supported bird conservation but has also empowered students to make a meaningful difference in their surroundings—showing how small, thoughtful actions can have a lasting impact on the natural world.
