Celebrate the upcoming coronation by exploring our King's work in conservation

Ahead of King Charles’ coronation next week, it is interesting to examine his history of interest in environmentalism and sustainability, particularly in relation to the growing pressure to take action on climate change. 

The King is well known to be an advocate and voice for sustainability in farming, having converted the Duchy Home Farm, which is part of Highgrove House, to organic farming in 1986. Whilst conventional farming - which involves the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilisers - can produce significant yields, its impact can have an adverse impact on biodiversity and ecosystems. On the other hand, organic farming can protect biodiversity as well as soil fertility, leading to better soil structure, erosion prevention and flood management. Students can use their learning from Developing Experts’ Rocks unit - specifically, the lesson Explore different types of soil - to understand the role soil plays in enhancing biodiversity and allowing different types of flora and fauna to flourish. 

Biodiversity and the importance of maintaining diverse ecosystems is an integral topic in Developing Experts’ science curriculum, appearing in Year 2 - Living things and their habitats, Year 4’s Living things and their habitat - conservation and Year 6’s Looking after our environment. The King has promoted and spoken about biodiversity for decades, saying that we “all depend on each other - and, crucially, on each other’s actions - for our weather, our food, our water and our energy.” 

This kind of mutualistic relationship between humans and the environment is the focus of Developing Experts’ COP26 and COP27 lessons, which explore how primary schools, secondary schools and workplaces can work together to achieve the goals laid out by UN world leaders. King Charles was heavily involved in and spoke at the opening ceremony of COP26, where he urged world leaders to work together to rescue the planet and protect the future. Focusing on the need to prioritise renewable energy, the King spoke of the need for the most polluting industries - such as energy, agriculture, transportation, health systems and fashion - to make the shift towards more sustainable options. Developing Experts’ lessons place an integral focus on the relationship between energy and industry, meaning that your pupils can develop a clear understanding of how the choices they make affect the environment. Speaking to the BBC about his own carbon footprint, King Charles revealed how biomass boiler systems and solar panels had been installed in his properties, whilst his Aston Martin car is fuelled by surplus wine and whey from cheese. Whilst implementing the latter may be more difficult for your pupils, they can use Developing Experts’ COP26, COP27 and curriculum content to learn more about renewable energy and simple, sustainable swaps.