A group of school Eco Reps from Chailey, Barcombe and Ringmer got to meet Sir David Attenborough this week. OVESCO the Lewes based Community Energy Company brought the students together at the Charleston Book Festival to meet Attenborough and now have signed copies of his books to give to local schools.

In delivering the annual Charleston-EFG John Maynard Keynes Lecture, Sir David asked the question, can animals appreciate beauty? Ringmer student Jay Taylor-Jones said; ‘I saw amazing examples of the Bower Bird and a Puffer Fish’s ability to design and construct complex structures’. The connection between our need to protect the natural environment and combat climate change urgently in light of the pressures the human species puts on the Blue Planet were obvious to all.

Above: Jay Taylor-Jones, Tamar Bowers, Jamie Peacock, Josie Barton, Ollie Pendered, Rosie Pendered, Chris Rowland, Sarah Pendered, Stan Pendered Kathy Wren & Summer Wren.

OVESCO is responsible for solar panels that are installed at schools in the local area: at Ringmer’s Kings Academy, Priory School, Wallands Primary School and Chailey School. The solar projects are owned by community shareholders and annually the solar scheme’s profits provide a community fund that benefits the local schools. Chris Rowland said; ‘We are delighted to be able to provide the schools with Attenborough’s books, it was great for some of the students to meet Sir David in person and listen to his fascinating talk’.

A copy of ’21 stories in Transition’ signed by Rob Hopkins was handed to Sir David with a Lewes Pound. You can now down load ‘21 stories in Transition for free here…