A total of 2,048 schools and 484,000 schoolchildren participated in the Yellow Woods Challenge 2006. Between them, they recycled a massive 805 tonnes of old Yellow Pages directories.

All schools that took part in the Challenge were automatically entered into the national awards.

The title of UK Recycling Champion and a prize of £2,000 was awarded by Yellow Pages to each of the three winning schools that recycled the UK’s highest number of old Yellow Pages directories per pupil in their school size category.


Small school category (120 pupils or fewer)

With only five pupils, the Hearing Impaired Unit at Holy Family Primary School in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland was a worthy winner, with each pupil recycling an average of 64.8 old Yellow Pages directories.

The unit provides education for children with severe to profound hearing loss and helps to develop the pupils’ speech and language skills.


“Through recognising the efforts of these very special children, the award has helped the development of their self esteem and confidence. We will use the £2,000 to improve the environment surrounding the school.”

Fionnuala McCreanor, class teacher


Pupils and Kirk with Chris Curran, principal; Willie Clarke, chairman of Down District Council; Patrick Cregg, Woodland Trust; Janet McIlvenna, Down District Council, Finnoula McCreanor, class teacher; Declan Daly, Yell and Mickey Coogan, parent


Medium school category (121 – 250 pupils)

Bournemouth schools scooped two of the three UK Recycling Champions awards, with Talbot House Preparatory School clinching the medium school title after its 124 pupils recycled an average 26.3 old Yellow Pages directories each.

“The Yellow Woods Challenge is a worthwhile opportunity for our pupils to contribute to looking after the environment and has been extremely effective in raising the profile of recycling in our community. We are delighted with the £2,000 which will be a boost for our playground fund.”

Charlotte Oosthuizen, headteacher

Pupils with (l-r) Paul Wainwright, Yell; Katherine Carr, Woodland Trust; Kirk;Charlotte Charlotte Oosthuizen, headteacher; Emma Sadiwskyj-Frewer, Bournemouth Borough Council and Adam Billiald, Yell


Large school category (250 pupils or more)

The 386 pupils of St James’ CE Primary School in Bournemouth doubled the recycling score they achieved in 2005 and claimed victory in the large school category by recycling 12.3 old directories per pupil.

“I am enormously proud. I’d like to say a special thank you to Kevin Pidgley, who coordinated the competition and inspired the children with his enthusiasm. We intend to use the £2,000 to purchase musical instruments to form our own school steel band, something that we are all very excited about!”

Susan Lyonette, headteacher

Pupils with (l-r) Susan Lyonette, headteacher; Adam Billiald, Yell; Kirk and Penny Pulfrey, Woodland Trust

For every pound awarded to the schools in prize money, a matching pound has been given by Yellow Pages to the Woodland Trust’s ‘Tree For All’ campaign.