Coronation Celebrations at Thornton College

Students at Thornton College celebrated King Charles III Coronation by sowing wildflower seeds in the newly created Coronation Corner of their Hedgehog Haven.  Lady Howe, Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire joined staff, Trustees and Eco Committee students to visit Coronation Corner and sow some wildflower seeds.

Students shared information about the school’s commitment to the environment having achieved their Green School Eco Flag and the Gold Award for achieving a hedgehog friendly school.

Last year the Eco Committee were saddened to hear about the reduction in hedgehog numbers across the UK and committed to work with The Hedgehog Preservation Trust to provide a hedgehog friendly environment at Thornton College.  The Estates team have worked with Eco Students to create an area of land for rewilding now known as Hedgehog Haven.  Hedgehog Haven is where all the wildflower seeds have been sown at the school’s Coronation Celebration – a reflection of King Charles III’s commitment to conservation and environmental sustainability and Thornton’s Eco School status.

Throughout the day every student had the opportunity to sow seeds alongside all staff members and in total more than 500 people took part in creating Coronation Corner.  In addition, younger students completed Coronation themed activities throughout the day and at lunchtime the whole school community enjoyed a special Coronation Lunch and themed desserts!

Dr Louise Shaw, Head Teacher said “It has been a super day full of celebration for the whole school community to be a part of and I am so pleased Lady Howe could join us for this occasion. I am delighted that our Coronation efforts will have a long-term impact on our school environment; increasing wild areas, biodiversity and helping local wildlife.”

Mrs Jennifer Walker, Development Director and Creation Lead said “It is fitting that for the King’s Coronation we do something as a school that reflects his passion for the environment.  I am sure King Charles III would commend our students for their incredible passion to help our local wildlife and would love our Coronation Corner of wild flowers!”