This month saw the end of our Primary school pupils across Bristol and Weston Wild Spaces project which created 750 square metres of habitat for butterflies and moths.
More than 2,000 children at 47 schools planted wildflower meadows, green walls and floral raised beds in their school grounds.
Project Officer Angus Walker said: “This has been such a joyful project to work on. Lots of these children live in really built-up areas without gardens, so it’s just been great to see them enjoying getting outside and connecting with nature while doing something really positive for urban butterflies and moths.”
Among the highlights was St Nicholas of Tolentine Primary in the heart of the city, where pupils helped to create a mini wildflower meadow on a small patch of grass in front of the school.
Parents volunteered to strip the turf, then pupils sowed native wildflower seeds in September which are now blooming.
It was one of 10 mini meadows created as part of the project.
At Ashley Down Primary, a school with limited outdoor space, pupils created a green wall with caterpillar food plants such as Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Ivy, and they have since seen Common Blues and Holly Blues visiting.
One reception pupil at Ashley Down said: “This is so nice because I’ve never done anything like this before and I love plants.”
A Year 4 pupil at Henleaze Infant School said: “I don’t get to do stuff like this much because I don’t have a garden at home, so I’m really enjoying it.”
Butterfly Conservation offered schools up to £1,000 each for plants, seeds, planters, tools and equipment, as well as contractor work to build raised beds and prepare ground.
Angus also delivered a training session for 40 teachers, giving advice on creating and managing Wild Spaces and outdoor teaching.
Trystan Williams, executive headteacher of the E-Act multi-academy trust which runs several participating schools, said: “This project has inspired and empowered our students, creating lasting memories and impactful learning experiences.
“Thank you for your generosity of time, energy, and expertise. Butterfly Conservation’s Wild Spaces work is truly inspiring, and we are honoured to have been a part of it.”
Angus also gave away more than 600 plants to parents and guardians to grow at home and trained 150 Wild Spaces Ambassadors to look after the new Wild Spaces into the future.
The 18-month scheme was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund with the aim of giving children in economically- and nature-deprived areas regular access to green space and the mental and physical health benefits that offers.
