Thousands of pupils take part in air quality project

The project involved 28 different schools in Reading over 18 months

About 9,000 pupils from 28 schools have taken part in a project to raise awareness of air pollution in a Berkshire town.

The Clean Air Living Matters (Calm) project was aimed at increasing knowledge and awareness of air quality, causes of air pollution, its impacts and solutions.

Reading Borough Council led the government-funded project with support from the University of Reading, engineering consultants Stantec and social enterprise Design Nature.

The authority's climate strategy and transport lead John Ennis said improving air quality in Reading was a "high priority", adding that the project had been a "brilliant way of engaging young people".

Primary and secondary school pupils took part in workshops, assemblies and all-day sessions at the university

Between January 2024 and July 2025, the project saw interactive workshops and take place at 20 primary and eight secondary schools, alongside all-day sessions at the University of Reading.

Assemblies included discussions about sources of air pollution, such as transport and wood burning, and its impact on health and ways of reducing it.

Air quality monitors were provided to participating schools and students were able to measure the air quality over a period of time, with the results discussed during workshops.

Eighty-four children from five secondary schools took part in workshops at the University of Reading, which included laboratory experiments.

Teachers said pupils had become much more aware of their environment within school and enjoyed taking action.

Students took part in air quality workshops at the University of Reading

Mr Ennis said: "Although air quality is improving in Reading, pollution still poses a health risk, particularly for children, the elderly and people with lung and heart conditions.

"The council continues to invest heavily in public transport, whether that is buses and bus lanes, rail travel or improved pedestrian and cycle facilities."

Marta O'Brien, research scientist at the University of Reading, said: "As our air quality research continues, we are pleased to see the impact this project has already had."