How to Inspire Children with Sustainable Music
11th March 2026
As part of our ‘This Is Not A Rehearsal’ campaign, Music Mark commissioned a research project to assess environmental sustainability within UK music services, education hubs and partner organisations. Undertaken by UCL’s Department of Culture, Communication and Media, the report highlighted a range of fantastic work taking place across the music education sector to make sustainable changes. The following case studies from Waltham Forest Music Service and Southampton and Isle of Wight Music Hub demonstrate some of the different approaches music organisations can take to embed sustainability into their work.
Waltham Forest Music Service’s Nature and Song Projects
Waltham Forest Music Service (WFMS) has long been committed to integrating environmental awareness into its music projects, and its collaboration with Kate Stillitz and the RSPB Meadowsong Project offers a prime example of this initiative. The Meadowsong Project used song as a powerful tool to connect children and schools to environmental issues, raising awareness of indigenous trees, plants, birds and insects. Meadowsong allowed students to engage with environmental topics in a creative and meaningful way. The experience highlighted how music can serve as an effective medium for fostering environmental awareness and a sense of stewardship among young people.
Building on the success of the Meadowsong Project, WFMS commissioned Kate Stillitz to work with local schools to create ‘Songs of the Forest’, a song cycle based on the area’s natural heritage. This collaborative project gave Waltham Forest students the opportunity to explore local nature areas and translate their experiences into music. By writing songs about the local environment, the children not only deepened their understanding of their surroundings but also became active participants in environmental advocacy.
Through these initiatives, WFMS demonstrates how music can serve as both an educational tool and a catalyst for environmental action. By involving children in creating music focused on local nature, WFMS is promoting a generation of environmentally conscious young people, using song to connect them to the world around them.
With thanks to Waltham Forest Music Service
Isle of Wight ‘Our World Our Future’ Mardi Gras
The Isle of Wight Mardi Gras, held in July 2022, focused on environmental sustainability and musical engagement. The event, themed ‘Our World Our Future’ was organised by the New Carnival Company with Southampton and Isle of Wight Music Hub in collaboration with schools and various local community groups, artists and makers. It aimed to educate participants about the 17 UN Sustainability Development Goals through creative expression and performance.
Over 1,000 participants, primarily children and young people from more than 20 schools and community groups, took part in the parade. Each group represented a different sustainability goal, such as climate action, wildlife conservation, and responsible tourism. The preparation involved learning about their assigned topics, designing costumes, practising dances, and rehearsing the event’s anthem ‘Our World Our Future’. Composed by Jo Downs, its lyrics were developed through workshops with children discussing their thoughts on the future and environmental issues.
The parade was notable for its commitment to sustainability, with no petrol or diesel vehicles used. One school utilised an electric car, while other groups employed trolleys, pushchairs or bicycles. Costumes were made from sustainable materials, with two large costumes comprising over 75% eco-friendly components.
With thanks to Southampton and Isle of Wight Music Hub
Don’t forget to visit the This Is Not A Rehearsal webpage to explore more news, training & events, resources and research to support you on your sustainability journey.
