Transforming Habitat for People and Pollinators in Schools
Working with primary schools in Bristol and Weston-super-Mare, this project has supported over 47 schools in areas of green space deprivation to create new Wild Spaces in their school grounds.
From living walls to mini wildflower meadows, the project offered the unique opportunity for each school to design and create a fully funded space where butterflies and moths can thrive.
Led by our Project Officer, Angus, schools also received free classroom sessions as well as practical training for school staff and volunteers, empowering the whole school community to continue caring for their Wild Space after the project comes to an end.
3,371
Pupils living in areas of greenspace deprivation engaged with and involved in Wild Space creation.
47
New Wild Spaces created equating to 750m.
124
124 new volunteers recruited to support schools with the creation and management of their Wild Space.
60+
Hours of training delivered for Wild Spaces ambassadors
500
Inspired at least 500 people from the local community to take action for pollinators through attendance of end-of-project events.
138
Empowered 138 adults from the school community to look after their Wild Space for years to come.
"We’ve created all kinds of different Wild Spaces, depending on what’s right for the school, from planters on the playground to mini wildflower meadows.
Lots of the schools taking part in the project have very limited outdoor space, so we’ve had to get a bit creative, like with this green wall you can see behind me.
Even in a tight space like this playground, we’ve still been able to create something really valuable. As well as being a nice feature for the school, this green wall is full of different nectar plants and caterpillar foodplants, so it just shows what you can do even in small spaces.
It’s just such a joyful project to have worked 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, whilst doing something really positive for urban butterflies and moths as well. This project has enabled Butterfly Conservation to engage with children who don’t get the opportunity to connect with nature on a regular basis. It has been a privilege and a joy to share in their excitement when planning and creating a Wild Space for their school.”
"This is so nice because I've never done anything like this before and I love plants."
Reception student at Ashley Down
"Particularly for SEN children, the workshop was so calming with the focus on sensory plants and herbs."
Reception teacher at Ashley Down Primary
'I liked how the planting made me feel calm.’
Year 5 pupil at Two Mile Hill Primary
'Particularly for SEN children, the workshop was so calming with the focus on sensory plants and herbs.’
Reception teacher at Ashley Down Primary
'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.'
