Habitats and Biodiversity
Hedgehog Highways and Hotels
Hedgehogs can always benefit from assistance! For schools in more urban areas, providing support and shelter for hedgehogs is a relatively easy way to get involved.
Surrey Wildlife Trust for Inspiration
Surrey Wildlife Trust has an excellent collection of guides on specific environmental actions! These are more focused on the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme, but they can be applied anywhere!
Wildflower Planting
Depending on how much free green space there is at schools, a wildflower meadow would be an easy and inexpensive way to benefit the environment. It also provides an excellent avenue to discuss the importance of bees in an ecosystem.
Past Example and Further Planting Commitments.
Possible actions to take based on the case study:
Create a School Micro-Forest Plant a dense “micro-forest” using native trees.
Who: Students + staff + external partners
Steps:
Identify unused land
Plant native species suited to the local soil
Maintain and monitor growth.
Impact: Carbon capture + biodiversity increase
Measure: Tree growth + species presence
Micro-forests provide long-term carbon storage and habitat.
Develop a Wildflower Meadow
Convert part of the school grounds into a wildflower meadow.
Who: Eco club/students
Steps:
Prepare the soil and plant native wildflowers.
Reduce mowing
Monitor pollinators (bees, butterflies)
Impact: Supports pollinators + biodiversity
Measure: Number of insects observed
Meadows were designed to attract pollinating insects.
Plant Hedgerows and Trees
Introduce hedgerows and tree planting across the school.
Who: Whole school
Steps:
Plant native hedgerows around boundaries
Add fruit trees (orchard)
Use species suited to local conditions.
Impact: Provides food, shelter, and carbon storage
Measure: Survival rate of plants
Hedgerows and trees create food and shelter for wildlife.
Apply for free Trees here!
Create an Edible Garden / Orchard
Grow fruit and vegetables on school grounds.
Who: Students + staff
Steps:
Plant fruit trees (apple, pear, plum)
Grow vegetables in garden beds.
Use produce in lessons or meals.
Impact: Reduces food miles + teaches sustainability
Measure: Amount of food grown
The school created an orchard and an edible garden.
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