2million square metres of nature mapped by schools

The National Education Nature Park scheme’s first year has been heralded a success with the creation of new habitats and a better understanding of biodiversity opportunities.  

According to the first annual report, the programme now has 1/8 of all UK schools and colleges signed up to help create a network of green spaces across England’s educational estate. 

Children and young people from 3,000 institutions – including nurseries – have been mapping, exploring, restoring and creating habitats in their playgrounds, recreational areas and inside buildings. Green walls, ponds and planting pollinator-friendly plants have been among the most popular approaches. 

Any school, college or nursery in England can join the scheme free of charge. Funded by the Department for Education within its Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy, The Natural History Museum, Royal Horticultural Society, and other partners are responsible for delivery. Geospatial expertise has been provided by Esri UK, putting technology skills at the heart of the initiative.

Not only does the scheme help provide vital green space for students, staff and natural ecosystems in previously depleted locations, it will also contribute to a national understanding of nature recovery impact. Data recorded will then directly inform policy and our understanding of what is needed where, and which approaches have proven most effective, in which areas. 

‘All young people should be able to harness the benefits of spending time in nature, and the National Education Nature Park is making huge strides in breaking down the barriers so many face in accessing, understanding and interacting with the natural world,’ said Minister for Early Education, Department for Education, Stephen Morgan. ‘Through this programme we aim to help improve wellbeing of young people, boost biodiversity of the entire education estate and help those involved develop skills for the future.’

Resources and tools to participate in the programme are completely free, and can be accessed here. However, most schools in the country’s most disadvantaged and nature depleted areas are also eligible for Department of Education Funding. In total, more than 500 campuses have been awarded a share of £5million in available financing.

These have included Manchester’s Co-Op Academy, which recently installed a green wall. Meanwhile, Milton Hall Primary School and Nursery, Southend, has transformed a grey and unused corner of a playground into a wildlife haven containing wildflower pots, trellises, and hanging baskets.  

‘We know that getting your hands dirty in nature is one of the best ways to understand and appreciate it,’ said Sam Hartley, Programme Lead at the RHS Through the mapping of existing habitats and creation of new green oases within schools, pupils and the local environment will better understand how to protect the environment and take care of it for both their own and nature’s future with funding available to support the transition.’

More on climate change and net zero:

30 year restoration and rewilding project begins at Castle Howard

Minister for Science supports ‘biodegradable net zero transition’

Aston University biochar experts look for corporate collaborations

Image: Esri UK