York Student Helps Drive Climate Action in Local School
University of York Biology student Charley is making a real difference in her community by volunteering as a Climate Ambassador. Alongside her studies, she supports Carr Infant School in York to take practical steps towards sustainability.
Getting started
Charley Clayton joined the Climate Ambassadors volunteering scheme in 2024 after hearing about the opportunity through STEM Learning . The programme offers students a free DBS check, training, access to resources, and regional support from the Yorkshire and Humber Hub led by the University of Leeds.
Supporting a local school
In early 2025, Charley was introduced to Fern Catt, a teacher at Carr Infant School, who was keen to develop the school’s Climate Action Plan.
Charley and I started discussing the Climate Action Plan over emails and she also came into school to meet with me. She was really encouraging, knowledgeable and armed with lots of resources.
Fern Catt, Carr Infant School
Together, they built on the school’s existing eco-initiatives, like bug hotels and the RSPB Big Bird Watch
When I went into school to meet with Fern, I was really impressed with what they were already doing… We thought about how these actions related to the four pillars outlined by the Department for Education for Climate Action Plans.
Charley Clayton, Climate Ambassador
By the end of the year, the school had a Climate Action Plan in place. Next, Charley hopes to support Fern in working with the National Education Nature Park to boost biodiversity on site.
For Charley, volunteering has been a chance to connect her studies with real-world experience. The scheme offers York students the opportunity to apply their learning, gain valuable training, and contribute to tackling the climate crisis in a tangible way:
It’s interesting to see the social implementation of my academic knowledge and skills. Last year I completed a project looking at stakeholder involvement in ecology; my role supporting Fern has given me a real-life experience of this. Participation with the Climate Ambassadors scheme is a wholly rewarding and worthwhile experience… the platform enables us to do this in a really collaborative and supportive way.
Charley Clayton, Climate Ambassador
Want to make a difference too?
The Climate Ambassadors scheme is open to all passionate people who are eligible for a DBS check including University of York staff and students, no matter your subject or level. If you’re passionate about sustainability, education, or simply want to do something positive in your community, this is your chance.
To find out more, email the Yorkshire and Humber Hub at climateambassadors_yh@leeds.ac.uk, or complete the expression of interest form. We’d love to have you on the team!
The programme runs throughout England, if you’re from a different region please head over to the get involved page to make contact with the appropriate team.