We had a huge number of pledges from schools in 2021! Let's explore some pledges that really stood out:

WINNER: West Buckland School

The School have created a wildflower meadow in front of their 150 Building by Prep School students and this area has since been enlarged and improved. The aim for this space is to mimic a Devon hay meadow: an important wildlife habitat that has seen decline of over 90% over the last 100 years. This area should provide not only habitat for wildflowers but also the myriad of insects that rely on this rare habitat. The School recognise the benefits to children's mental and physical health from spending time with nature. They have also created a woodland and are expanding this area to increase environmental benefits. For example, this space has allowed for large flocks of goldfinches to feed on seed left on unmown areas, as well as an observed increase in butterfly and moth populations. If you want to read more about what the school are doing for nature, visit their website.

OTHER COMMENDABLE PLEDGES 

Appledore Primary School

Appledore Primary School were awarded £170 from our Community Nature Recovery Challenge Fund to support the creation of a 'micro-biosphere reserve'. In this nature plan, they are creating a wildflower patch area, planting native trees and establishing a safer pond area for the students to learn and benefit from. This 'micro reserve' format facilitates the children using the school’s location within the North Devon Biosphere to help them to engage with global issues of sustainability, by comparing and contrasting their biosphere with others, and to apply that understanding at the local level.

Atlantic Academy

Atlantic Academy have got big plans for nature improvement on the school site all of the staff and lots of the students are very excited. Atlantic Academy were awarded £300 from the Community Nature Recovery Challenge Fund to support their nature plan. Make the site more bee and pollinator friendly by increasing the diversity of flowering plants, improve nesting and feeding habitats for birds, improve the habitats for beetles and bugs and provide places for hedgehogs. A student group of eco-leaders will monitor the areas and observe the diversity of insects.

Well done to all schools who made a Pledge for Nature in 2021! 

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍