He may only be 11 years old, but Wimbledon’s James Salter is quickly establishing himself as one of the most influential environmentalists in the borough.

Last month the former Wimbledon Park Primary pupil picked up the coveted young environmentalist award at the south London finals of the Green Guardian awards.

Polar explorer Pen Hadow presented James with the prize after judges were bowled over by the lengths that he, and Wimbledon Park’s eco-committee, had gone to in persuading staff, pupils, and parents to protect the environment.

James was pivotal in producing an eco-newsletter highlighting the range of energy-saving measures implemented at the school, while offering tips to less environmentally-concious parents on how to live more sustainable lives .

“I just think the environment in such a beautiful thing and we need to do all we can to protect it,” James said.

“Children are the future and we’re the big hope that things can be changed.

“We can’t alter things that have already been done but we can stop the mistakes from the past from being repeated.”

James has since left Wimbledon Park, but he is continuing to fight for the green cause, promoting a range of new environmental ideas on the student council of his new school - Wallington Grammar in Sutton.

The young environmentalist has also been taking his green work home with him, making sure his house is as energy efficient as possible, building a wildlife area in his back garden and starting a compost heap.

He was even one of the first people to release fresh trout into the River Wandle after thousands of fish died as a result of sewage spill last year.

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