Eco Pledge x 1000

After lasting 365 days without buying any new clothes, Mrs Bingham’s latest eco-challenge is to run 1000 miles in support of The Woodland Trust.

Last year, Mrs Bingham hit the headlines when she stopped purchasing new clothes for an entire year, inspiring girls across the school to commit to their own 365-day eco pledges. South Hampstead’s Headmistress has now challenged herself to run 1000 miles over the course of the academic year to raise awareness and funds for The Woodland Trust’s 1000 woods appeal. Running in woods near her home with her dog, she hopes to reach her target distance by the start of the autumn term – every £1000 raised will enable The Woodland Trust to create an acre of wildflower meadow.

Donate to Mrs Bingham’s 1000 woods challenge.

She commented: “This is quite an ambitious undertaking, given everything else going on this year, but I am passionate about supporting such a good cause. I want our pupils to be proactive: to embrace their own personal challenges and to feel empowered to make a positive, tangible difference.”  

The Woodland Trust added: “We are so grateful to Vicky for taking on this incredible challenge. Trees and woods have been there for us all throughout lockdown and now it’s our turn to be there for them, when they need us the most. Without the generous support and dedication of people like Vicky, The Woodland Trust wouldn’t be able to carry out the vital work needed to stand up for UK trees and woods – all of which contribute to fighting climate change and providing much needed homes for wildlife. We wish her the best of luck.”

Mrs Bingham initiated the 365 Club in 2019, encouraging pupils and staff to commit to environmental resolutions for a whole year. The 365 Club aims to galvanise the school community to take personal responsibility, recognising that even small changes can create a ripple effect and make a powerful impact – a message that was corroborated at our latest Speaker Series event with Mark Carney and Diana Fox Carney, who spoke to the school community about the collective efforts required to reduce emissions and effect positive environmental change.

Make a donation here or join Mrs Bingham by setting your own eco challenge to raise funds for The Woodland Trust.

South Hampstead is the current Independent School of the Year for Environmental Achievement.