CARLISLE United's Community Sports Trust has teamed up with Komatsu Forest to supply local schools with climate change and sustainability-focused lessons. 

The partnership between the Blues and the world-leading forestry, construction, mining, and utility equipment business, which has its UK headquarters at Carlisle Airport, has created the Komatsu Climate Heroes Program. 

The program has seen the Community Sports Trust deliver a six-week lesson plan to local schools on climate change and sustainability which culminates in a trip to Komatsu Forest where the pupils take part in activities and learn more about the forestry cycle.

The schools involved have included Bewcastle Primary School, Houghton CofE School, Silloth Primary School, and Robert Ferguson Primary School.

News and Star: Natasha Messier, Carlisle United Community Sports Trust's sustainability coordinator, has been leading the sessions at primary schools across the region and expressed her delight at the program's success. 

Speaking after a session at Houghton CofE School, she said: "The main aim is trying to empower the children.

"Rather than coming in and saying, Climate change is happening and there is nothing we can do about it, it is about making them realise what their generation can do."

News and Star: Houghton CofE School's year fives are taught daily by John Shepherd who explained how the Climate Heroes project has combined seamlessly with his lessons on the environment. 

He said: "We do something called picture news every Thursday which talks about key things in the news and that tends to be around the environment and they have really enjoyed learning about the environment in these sessions.

"They have been learning about endangered animals, food miles, and their carbon footprint and they love it."

News and Star: Headteacher Stephen Johnston was also on hand to thank Carlisle United and Komatsu Forest for their community outreach. 

He said: "It's fantastic what Carlisle United and Komatsu are doing.

"They are talking about and thinking about some really important topics and in turn the children are thinking about how they can be advocates for change."

Stephen Bellas, managing director at Komatsu Forest commenting on the partnership with the Blues' Community Sport Trust said: "Komatsu Forest Ltd has partnered with Carlisle United Community Sports Trust to introduce the Komatsu ‘Climate Heroes’ program to primary schools in Cumbria

"The six-lesson plan focuses on various aspects of sustainability, such as forestry, carbon footprints, ecosystems, biodiversity, and promoting a greener future.

"The children have shown great enthusiasm and incredible knowledge about their environment, and we plan to continue the ‘Climate Heroes’ project next school year."