Three young Girlguides have made history in their area after becoming the first local members to receive a prestigious new green award. The trio from the 23rd Rossendale Brownies completed a series of environmental challenges over several months to earn their badges.
Ophelia Parkinson, nine, alongside Georgia Lee and Matilda Walsh, both eight, took part in the initiative after learning about local waste. They were inspired to take action after volunteers from a local pride group visited their unit to teach them about recycling.
How the Brownies Earned Their Eco Badges
The young members had to take full responsibility for completing the required eco tasks in their own time. Matilda dedicated her time to regular litter picking and even used public recycling points while on a family holiday in Ireland. Ophelia planted bee-friendly wildflowers in family gardens, while Georgia teamed up with Matilda to launch a book swap at their weekly meetings.
Unit leader Annette Spokes-Ellis commented: "They started working on the badge in April 2025, just when the new Eco Awards were introduced for all Girlguiding sections." She added: "To achieve the Brownie award, you need to do three actions to help the environment, these can be for either home, the Brownie Unit or the local community."
Community and Individual Efforts
Matilda also created unique items from recycled materials to sell on a charity stall, while regularly helping her grandparents recycle at home. Ophelia was determined to do more for the planet after noticing the amount of rubbish dropped in public spaces around her town.
Annette, who also serves as Rossendale Girlguiding divisional commissioner, said: "Ophelia pledged to walk, where possible, for a whole month, rain or shine, including to Brownies, which is around 2.7 miles, one way. Ophelia walks to and from school every day." The dedicated youngster also created a fruit and vegetable garden using large buckets, harvesting potatoes, strawberries, and tomatoes.
Recognition and Pride
Georgia sorted through her personal belongings at home, donating old clothes and toys to charity shops while listing others online. Annette added: "Georgia set up a book swap with Matilda at Brownies, she did litter picking, and then she sorted all her clothes /toys/etc into groups, donating lots to the charity shop as well as selling some on Vinted."
She concluded: "We are extremely proud of how hard all three have worked to achieve this award." The achievement highlights the girls' dedication to environmental action and sets a precedent for other Brownies in the area.
