Schools from across Wiltshire have been recognised for their commitment to nature recovery and environmental improvement through the Wiltshire Biodiversity Champions initiative.

The initiative forms part of Wiltshire Council’s ongoing work to support biodiversity and enhance wildlife habitats across the county. As part of the programme, schools were supported by the council and its streetscene contractor, idverde, to assess habitats, plants and wildlife on their sites, identify opportunities for improvement and develop practical plans to create more wildlife-friendly spaces for both nature and learning.

Throughout the programme, each school took part in a wide range of projects designed to support local wildlife and encourage environmental stewardship among pupils.

Projects ranged from litter picking, as part of the Great British Spring Clean, to creating habitats for pollinators, birds and hedgehogs, carrying out wildlife surveys, planting wildflowers and developing outdoor learning spaces.

At King’s Gate Primary School in Amesbury, pupils identified five priorities for improving biodiversity on their site, including increasing tree coverage to support birds and wildlife, restoring and enhancing an existing bug hotel, expanding pollinator-friendly planting, creating a school herb garden, and repairing a bee hotel.

Corsham Regis Primary Academy’s Eco Council led a variety of environmental activities, including minibeast hunts, bird surveys and participation in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch. Pupils also carried out litter picks both on school grounds and in the local community, met with a local hedgehog expert, built a hedgehog house, and developed plans to create more habitats for birds, pollinators and hedgehogs. The group also worked to improve recycling awareness across the school and is now exploring further opportunities to support wildlife through additional planting, bird feeders and habitat improvements.

Silverwood School in Trowbridge developed an ambitious biodiversity action plan to transform an outdoor area into an inclusive, low-maintenance environment that supports both wildlife and pupil wellbeing. The proposed space includes natural habitats, sensory features and dedicated zones for exploration and wildlife observation, providing meaningful outdoor learning opportunities for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. The project aims to reduce reliance on traditional grassed areas while creating richer habitats and sustainable outdoor learning spaces.

Other participating schools, including Fairfield College (Westbury), On Track Education Westbury, The Eaves Learning Centre (Westbury) and Kington St Michael CE Primary School (Chippenham), developed plans focused on improving habitats, increasing native planting, supporting pollinators and creating opportunities for outdoor learning and environmental engagement.

Debbie Banfield, Provision Lead at Silverwood School, said: “Our pupils have embraced the opportunity to make a positive difference to the environment through our Learning Outside the Classroom curriculum. As part of our values-based approach to education, children have explored the importance of respect, cooperation and perseverance, while being supported to develop ideas that increase biodiversity across our school grounds, despite having limited grassed areas. From creating a sensory garden to developing an outdoor reading area, we fully involve our pupils in the planning and development of their environment, making it a purposeful and meaningful experience. Working alongside idverde and Wiltshire Council aligns closely with our vision of building community and inspiring learning. We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm our pupils have shown throughout their lessons and look forward to using the equipment donated to further immerse our children in learning outside the classroom.”

On Wednesday 8 July, some of the participating schools were recognised as Wiltshire Biodiversity Champions and received certificates and biodiversity resources, including wildflower seed mixes, bird boxes, bat boxes, bee boxes, butterfly houses, bug hotels and hedgehog houses, to help continue their biodiversity journeys.

The wooden biodiversity resources were handcrafted by members of Salisbury Men’s Shed, a community group that brings people together to share skills, enjoy social connections and work on practical projects that benefit the local community. Their contribution has helped provide schools with high-quality habitats for local wildlife while supporting a valuable community initiative.

Cllr Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways and Streetscene, said: “The Wiltshire Biodiversity Champions initiative is a fantastic example of how young people can make a real contribution to nature recovery in Wiltshire.

“Pupils have not only learned about local wildlife and habitats but have also taken practical action to improve biodiversity in their school grounds and communities.

“From creating habitats for hedgehogs, birds and pollinators to planting wildflowers and developing outdoor learning spaces, these projects will leave lasting benefits for wildlife while helping young people build a greater understanding of the environment around them.

“I would like to congratulate every school that took part. Their enthusiasm, creativity and commitment demonstrate how local action can play an important role in supporting nature recovery across Wiltshire.”

The schools’ assessments were reviewed by award-winning environmental educator Eco Edd and Tom Bellamy, Biodiversity Manager for idverde and the RSPB at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London.

Eco Edd said: “I was really impressed by how much everyone has done, especially Eaves where we visited, and On Track. At On Track they had a blank canvas, so I would be interested to see and hear what they have been up to since we last visited. I enjoyed looking at the outside area maps of Kings Gate Primary and Kington Primary. Fairfield have done great too.”

Tom added: “It has been really inspiring reading the plans for nature submitted by each of the schools. A wide variety of species groups have been considered in their plans, which will help to make their local area more biodiverse. Community initiatives such as this help to deliver nature recovery across Wiltshire.”

The Wiltshire Biodiversity Champions initiative supports the council’s wider commitment to nature recovery and aims to inspire more schools and communities to take action for wildlife across the county.