Amesbury school champions biodiversity education
King's Gate Primary School has been running an Eco Club for its pupils
An Amesbury Primary School says it's never too early to start teaching children about biodiversity after being named a Biodiversity Champion.
King's Gate Primary has been running a weekly Eco Club to allow children to further engage with nature and wildlife.
Assistant Headteacher, Alison Cocks, said its seen 43 children taking part, with participants from the youngest classes all the way to the oldest.
She said they've been tasking the children with different things each week: "Initially they were doing some surveys, so they were looking on our school grounds for what species of birds they could see. They've surveyed the insects, they've had a really good look at all the different habitats that are on our school grounds.
"We also got them to think like a butterfly, think like a bird, think like a bee, and try and think about all the things that those species of animals need from their environment. What things does our school environment already provide it with? What could we do with a little bit more of?"
That formed the base of an action plan developed in part by the children, who said an increased number of flowers would increase the diversity of insects visiting the school.
Alison said they're keen to keep children engaged with nature all year round, with their wildlife area part of the school field.
"We use it in our lessons, we use it at lunchtime, all throughout the year. So in the depths of winter, when it's really wet and soggy, children bring in their welly boots and they're out there playing at lunchtime. The wild area is an area where we just let everything grow wild. We do mow a little path through it that the children can sort of wander through. And it's really just proof of what we already know really, that children love being in nature," she said.
It underscores how children are drawn to natural spaces when they're given the choice and it's something the school wants to continue to create an environment that isn't solely a great place for children, but for plants, insects and animals too.
Alison told us it's always a good time to teach children about biodiversity: "It helps them to understand the natural world. It really encourages them to care for wildlife and respect wildlife. And I think it gives them that sense of responsibility as well, something that they can look after, something that they can nurture. Again, back to our brilliant eco club, one thing that they've done several times on a Tuesday after school is they've got outside and they've been litter picking and realised the importance of that, realised how that improves our school site, but also really helps nature."
She added that the award means a lot to the school and they feel privileged to have the grounds available to them to teach children about biodiversity.
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."