School Grounds Project
We aim to:
- encourage and help schools to develop their grounds for wildlife and for people
- promote the use of school grounds in all areas of the curriculum
- enable sustainable long-term management, use and enjoyment of school grounds
- use a 'whole school approach' in which the whole community (children, parents, teachers, helpers) is involved in planning, designing, implementing and enjoying the changes to the grounds.
Background
Since the project was set up in 1995 the School Grounds Project has given
advice and support to over 200 schools throughout the Avon area. We have
worked with nursery schools, primary and secondary schools as well as
providing activities for other children’s and community groups.
We take on projects of all sizes from bird-box making workshops to the
process of creating a wildlife area from scratch.
What we do
1. Advice
Contact us to arrange a visit and to ask for advice on:
- the creation of wildlife habitats such as ponds, hedgerows, orchards, wildflower meadows, bird and butterfly gardens
- the management and maintenance of wildlife habitats and areas
- planning environmental development in school grounds
- funding opportunities for school grounds work
- ideas for what plants to grow, suppliers and planting methods
- educational activities in school grounds.
2. Practical conservation days
We can organise and supervise practical work days for parents or children
of all ages. The type of work undertaken is tailored to each school's
needs and can include:
- practical planning and consultation of new school grounds development project
- creation of a conservation area such as tree planting, pond creation, wildflower meadow planting
- practical maintenance of the school’s wildlife area such as pond or scrub clearance
- creation of living willow structures – we can help with the designing and planting of these structures which provide an exciting play area, shade in the summer and a special wildlife habitat.
3. Environmental activity days
Get in touch to arrange environmental activity days for children either
in school grounds or on a nearby nature reserve. Typical activities include:
- pond dipping
- woodland studies
- minibeast activities
- environmental art.
Additional ideas can be given for follow-up studies if required.
4. In-service training days
We can provide tailor-made In-service training days in your school grounds.
Previous days have included:
- How to make the most of your school pond
- Developing your school grounds
- Activities throughout the curriculum using your school grounds.
Knowing how to look after areas in your school grounds for wildlife is important. We can tailor-make a management plan of your grounds so that you know what activities to do and when is best to complete them which will ensure that your grounds continue to be a successful wildlife habitat as well as being accessible for children to enjoy.