One of the best ways to rewild your school is by creating a wildlife garden. A wildlife garden is a garden designed specifically to attract native species of plants and animals. By creating a habitat that is similar to the local ecosystem, you can provide a home for a wide range of wildlife, from birds and butterflies to bees and other pollinators.
To create a wildlife garden, start by selecting native plants that are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. Choose a variety of plants that provide food and habitat for different types of wildlife, such as milkweed for monarch butterflies, berry bushes for birds, and flowering plants for pollinators. You can also include features like a bird bath or a small pond to provide water for wildlife.
Male Common Blue ©Zsuzsanna Bird
Mowing the lawn is understandably an important part of maintaining school grounds, but by introducing a no-mow policy in certain areas, especially during the months of May and June, you can create a wildflower meadow or grassland habitat for insects and small mammals. By reducing the frequency of grass cutting or stopping it altogether, you create a space for a range species to thrive, providing them with a more natural environment.
It's important to remember that a no-mow policy does still require some level of ongoing maintenance to ensure that the area remains healthy and diverse. This may involve occasional cutting or trimming to prevent the area from becoming too overgrown, as well as removing any invasive species or weeds. Ultimately however, a no-mow policy can help to reduce maintenance costs, reduce carbon emissions from petrol-powered mowers and ultimately create a more biodiverse habitat for local wildlife.
Lauren Heather
Reducing waste is an important part of rewilding your school. By starting a composting program, you can teach students about the importance of reducing waste and provide a source of nutrient-rich soil for your school garden.
To start a composting program, you'll need a compost bin or pile, which can be constructed from a variety of materials, such as wood pallets or wire mesh. You'll also need to collect food scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials to add to the compost pile. Over time, these materials will break down into nutrient-rich soil that can be used to fertilize your school garden.
©Eco-Hub Rainham
Organising a litter pick is an important way to keep school grounds clean and safe for wildlife. Litter can have a negative impact on the environment and wildlife, as it can pollute waterways, harm animals through ingestion or entanglement, and reduce the aesthetic appeal of natural areas.
To organise a litter pick, start by identifying areas on the school grounds that are most likely to accumulate litter, such as around rubbish bins or in high-traffic areas. You can make the litter pick a fun and educational activity by involving students in the process. For example, you could organise a competition to see who can collect the most litter or encourage students to identify and sort different types of litter for recycling. This can help to teach students about the importance of reducing waste and the impact of litter on the environment.
Building a bird box
Another way to rewild your school is by building birdhouses. Birds are an important part of the local ecosystem, helping to control pests, disperse seeds and pollinate plants. By providing birdhouses, you can encourage more birds to visit your school and create a safe and secure nesting site for them. To build a birdhouse, you can either purchase a pre-made birdhouse kit or build one from scratch using basic woodworking tools. Make sure to select a location for the birdhouse that is sheltered from the wind and rain and that has good access to food and water.
Providing food for birds is another important way to support wildlife and encourage biodiversity in your school grounds. To provide food for birds, start by selecting appropriate food sources. Common bird foods include seeds, nuts, fruits, and insects. Make sure to place the food sources in appropriate locations. For example, bird feeders should be placed in areas that are visible and easily accessible for birds, but also out of reach of predators.
Rewilding your school this spring can be a rewarding and transformative experience for both your pupils and the environment. By incorporating sustainable practices and native plant species, you can create a thriving ecosystem that supports biodiversity and ecological health. Whether it's starting a composting program, creating a wildflower meadow or giving a home to birds, there are many ways to engage pupils and promote awareness and appreciation for the natural world. So why not start rewilding your school this spring and make a positive impact on the environment?
In completing many of these activities, you'll not only be helping to create a wilder school but you'll also be contributing to a Wilder Kent. You will also be qualifying your school to win a Wilder Kent Award, recognising your school for the positive action you are taking in the fight against the climate and nature crises.
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