School grounds improvements

Transforming your school grounds

Whether you are looking to make your school grounds more wildlife friendly, create an outdoor classroom, build a sensory garden or make a Forest School area, we are excited to help you transform your school grounds! Find out more about involving the whole school in creating a space for nature that everyone can enjoy.

Create a Nature Space for everyone to enjoy

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust can help your school or community group to create a space for nature that everyone can enjoy.

You might want to make an outdoor classroom area, create a wildlife pond or wildlife garden, plant some trees or build some woodland sculptures.

Whatever your vision is, we can guide you through the process - and help get pupils, parents, staff and community volunteers involved in everything from design through to creation.

Swineholes Wood - volunteering — Credit: Peter Cairns/2020VISION

The benefits to learning outside are huge

These are just some of the benefits to taking learning outdoors:

Increased tree cover and biodiversity in school grounds can improve academic performance
Lessons in nature can encourage students to be more engaged and less distracted compared to lessons indoors
Preschool children tend to use richer language in a natural environment

We have a range of services available – check out our options, decide on what is suitable for your school and your needs, and get in touch – our experienced officers will be on hand to make your project a reality!

Sow the seeds:

Initially, a trained member of staff will visit your school and talk to the staff in charge of the project for a consultation fee of £75. We will be able to offer advice, take measurements if needed, and listen to your ideas and requirements. If you choose to book any further work with us, we will refund the cost of this consultation. At this visit you will be given a free resource pack, listing funding options and resources to make your school grounds dream become a reality.

Start growing!

Every school will have different visions for their school grounds. We have put together a wide range of options to cater for all needs, from small wildlife friendly activities, to larger transformative projects. You can mix and match as many of the following options as you like. We know that it is important to include students in the planning and creation of outdoor learning spaces, and so we will be able to factor in working with classes on several of these projects. All prices are subject to change.

As each school is different, the amount of resources and staff time will vary between projects.

School grounds gardening — Credit: Tom Marshall

Ideas

Minibeast hotel

Tree/hedgerow planting

Mud kitchen

Wildflower meadows

Permanent fire pits

Raised beds

Semi-permanent shelters

Raised ponds

Plus much more!

Get in touch

We have many years experience in leading schools and community groups in a wide range of projects. If you would like to know more about our school grounds services, advice on funding options or to arrange your initial site visit, you can email us at getwild@staffs-wildlife.org.uk or call us on 01889 880100

You can also download further information by the link below