As part of Green Careers Week, Bryanston’s Future Roots Committee, led by Ms Mason, hosted the inaugural Future Roots Festival, a celebration of passion, entrepreneurship and innovation in sustainability.
Three keynote speakers inspired pupils with real-world pathways into climate-positive careers: OB Elsa Kent (An ‘17) shared her work in regenerative practices; OB Connor Bryant (P ‘13) explored how circular design can turn waste into resource; and climate innovator Ben Keene demonstrated how AI can be harnessed as a force for good in addressing environmental challenges.
Coade Hall was transformed for the occasion into a living expression of Bryanston’s sustainability culture. The Grounds Team gathered foliage from across the estate, which the Coade Hall team curated into an immersive natural stage design, complete with tree-stump seating and a soundscape of birdsong and forest sounds. Throughout the evening, pupils and staff showcased how environmental thinking runs through academic lessons, co-curricular pursuits and special projects, including the new bird lookout initiative.
Prefects highlighted how sustainable choices are reshaping both sport and the arts, from responsible kit and equipment to lower-impact materials and production methods. An art exhibition inspired by regenerative practices filled the space with striking works in photography, Fine Art and 3D, celebrating the natural world and the possibilities of renewal. Bryanston’s recent recognition in Tatler for its forward-thinking approach to sustainability provided a fitting backdrop to the Festival.
Opening the event, Head of EIE (Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Employability) Ms de Mowbray invited pupils to “look up and out” at the changing world of work. She underlined how sustainability now sits at the heart of high-growth green industries and is increasingly embedded across every sector, alongside a surge in new eco ventures. She also drew attention to two major sustainability milestones taking place in Brazil this month: the COP30 UN climate summit and the announcement of the 2025 Earthshot Prize winners – reminders of both the urgency of the climate crisis and the scale of opportunity.
Drawing on leading climate researcher Dr Hannah Ritchie, Ms de Mowbray advocated a mindset of “urgent optimism” acknowledging the gravity of global challenges while recognising that this generation could help deliver the first truly sustainable future. She introduced the Global Footprint Network’s concept of Earth Overshoot Day and its “power of possibility” platform to prompt pupils to consider scalable, creative and commercial solutions.
Pupils were encouraged to develop not only technical expertise for green careers, but also essential human skills including systems thinking across environmental, social and economic impacts; innovative design and problem-solving; advocacy and constructive dialogue; adaptability and resilience. Quoting the late Dr Jane Goodall, Ms de Mowbray reminded them that whatever their passion either in art, music, film, sport, adventure, technology or design, “there is a green path for you.”
The guest speakers also delivered superb talks bringing the message to life:
Elsa Kent reflected on her time at Bryanston and her work in regenerative projects in Kenya and England. She challenged pupils to think critically about food systems, travel with curiosity and purpose, and support schools and communities in adopting regenerative approaches.
Connor Bryant spoke with humour and energy about his love of DT at Bryanston and his journey to redesign how music festivals and sporting events manage waste. He invited pupils to reimagine the circular economy on campus and set them a live challenge to design solutions for the thousands of tents discarded at festivals each year.
Ben Keene explored how AI can accelerate climate solutions, from mapping environmental risks to building new eco-tech ventures, while stressing that technology must always be guided by human values, creativity and collaboration.
Charlotte Mason, Art Teacher, reflected on the evening:
“The Future Roots Festival was about collaboration and community; a reminder of how a shared vision becomes reality when people come together. Thank you to the Grounds and Coade Hall teams for creating this wonderful natural setting; our Operations team for ensuring everything runs smoothly; Catering for our eco-conscious supper and exhibition refreshments; and my colleagues in the Art Department for their tireless work in curating such an inspiring exhibition. Thank you to Elsa, Connor and Ben for sharing their experience and ideas. And, above all, thank you to our pupils. You are the reason we create evenings like this. Your curiosity, courage and creativity inspire us to find new ways to spark your imagination, challenge your comfort zones and open doors to ideas, concepts and experiences that might shape your futures.”
The Future Roots Festival closed with a clear message that sustainability is reshaping the future of work, and every Bryanston pupil has a part to play in transforming how we live, learn and lead.
