Funding for School Eco-Projects

The project aims to create a school allotment that offers children hands-on outdoor learning and a chance to participate in all stages of developing and maintaining a growing space. A suitable grassy area at the front of the school will be transformed with recycled-material fencing, wooden planters, compost, and a polytunnel greenhouse for heat-loving vegetables. Seeds will be sourced sustainably through the village’s local seed-share scheme, allowing children to learn about food origins, plant growth, and healthy eating while connecting their practical work with classroom topics such as germination and environmental science.

Through planting, watering, weeding, and observing wildlife, children will develop patience, responsibility, and pride as they see the results of their efforts. The long-term, accessible design of the allotment ensures that pupils across all year groups can benefit for years to come. Parents will also be invited to take part, helping to build a sense of community and encouraging environmental conversations at home. Importantly, the project will offer meaningful access to green space for children who may not have gardens of their own, giving them a safe and engaging way to explore nature.

Freemantles School, a special needs school in Surrey, places emotional wellbeing at the centre of its work and recognises the strong benefits of nature-based learning.

To enhance biodiversity and deepen students’ engagement with nature, the school plans to create wildlife corridors, add more bird feeders, and establish natural borders in the animal care area. They will also plant trees for shade and develop a wildlife pond using recycled materials, supported by new aquatic plants to help form a healthy ecosystem. These improvements will strengthen habitats for local wildlife while providing valuable outdoor learning opportunities for students during their weekly sessions.

The Friends of Westfield (FOW), the PTA and registered charity for Westfield Primary School, work to enrich pupils’ experiences by improving the school grounds and encouraging engagement with nature. Their active gardening group welcomes families of all backgrounds and skill levels, maintaining a wildlife garden with trees and a pond, as well as newly built raised beds for growing fruit, vegetables, herbs and pollinator-friendly plants. FOW now seeks funding to fill and plant the new beds and to continue developing their existing pollinator and herb areas, strengthening children’s understanding of food growing and the natural world.

They also aim to involve more teachers and classes in gardening activities, supported by a dedicated staff liaison to help integrate outdoor learning into the curriculum. Two community planting events will invite all pupils and families to take part in preparing beds, sowing seeds and potting on seedlings to take home, encouraging wider participation in the school’s gardening group. With a diverse school community, these activities will help introduce more families to gardening, foster connection with nature and ensure everyone can enjoy the school’s outdoor spaces.