Schools honoured for work to improve wildlife habitats

The schools, all based in Wiltshire, earned the title of Biodiversity Champions as part of Wiltshire Council’s wider environmental programme.

The programme, delivered with support from streetscene contractor idverde, helps schools assess on-site habitats and develop plans to boost biodiversity and outdoor learning opportunities.

Martin Smith, cabinet member for highways and streetscene, said: "The Wiltshire Biodiversity Champions initiative is a fantastic example of how young people can make a real contribution to nature recovery in Wiltshire.

"Pupils have not only learned about local wildlife and habitats but have also taken practical action to improve biodiversity in their school grounds and communities.

"From creating habitats for hedgehogs, birds and pollinators to planting wildflowers and developing outdoor learning spaces, these projects will leave lasting benefits for wildlife while helping young people build a greater understanding of the environment around them."

Schools have taken part in projects including wildlife habitat creation, litter picking, planting wildflowers, and building outdoor spaces for learning.

King’s Gate Primary School in Amesbury set five biodiversity priorities, including increasing tree coverage to support birds and wildlife, restoring and enhancing an existing bug hotel, and creating a school herb garden.

Corsham Regis Primary Academy also took part in bird surveys, minibeast hunts, and litter picks led by its Eco Council.

Pupils worked with a hedgehog expert, built a hedgehog house, and developed plans for more habitats around the school.

At Silverwood School in Trowbridge, pupils contributed to a biodiversity action plan focused on inclusive, low-maintenance outdoor areas that support both wildlife and pupil wellbeing.

Debbie Banfield, provision lead at Silverwood School, said: "Our pupils have embraced the opportunity to make a positive difference to the environment through our Learning Outside the Classroom curriculum.

"As part of our values-based approach to education, children have explored the importance of respect, cooperation and perseverance, while being supported to develop ideas that increase biodiversity across our school grounds, despite having limited grassed areas."

Other participating schools included Fairfield College, On Track Education Westbury, The Eaves Learning Centre, and Kington St Michael CE Primary School.

Schools were assessed by environmental educator Eco Edd and Tom Bellamy, Biodiversity Manager for idverde and the RSPB at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London.

Mr Bellamy said: "It has been really inspiring reading the plans for nature submitted by each of the schools.

"A wide variety of species groups have been considered in their plans, which will help to make their local area more biodiverse."

The initiative supports the council's wider commitment to nature recovery and aims to inspire more schools and communities to take action for wildlife across the county.