# 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.

{% embed url="<https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/help-hedgehogs/link-your-garden/>" %}

{% embed url="<https://www.rspb.org.uk/helping-nature/what-you-can-do/activities/build-a-hedgehog-house>" %}

***

## Surrey Wildlife Trust for Inspiration&#x20;

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!

{% embed url="<https://www.surreywildlifetrust.org/services/working-schools/duke-edinburghs-award-opportunities/dofe-actions-nature>" %}

***

## 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.&#x20;

### Past Example and Further Planting Commitments.

{% embed url="<https://www.ground-control.co.uk/about/our-customers/case-studies/pinner-park-school/>" %}

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

&#x20;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

&#x20;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

&#x20;Hedgerows and trees create food and shelter for wildlife.

### Apply for free Trees here!

{% embed url="<https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees/schools-and-communities/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=PPC&utm_campaign=CTP24&utm_content=CTP2>" %}

***

## 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

&#x20;The school created an orchard and an edible garden.

<br>

***


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