Schools receive funding to boost nature projects

Twenty-five UK schools have received funding to boost nature projects on their grounds and increase their students’ connection with nature.

The competition, run by Let’s Go Zero and funded by OVO Foundation, has awarded schools that are engaging students with nature and supporting less advantaged children and wider communities to get involved in climate action.

Let’s Go Zero is the national campaign for all UK schools, colleges and nurseries to be zero carbon by 2030, led by climate solutions charity Ashden.

Cash prizes of up to £1,000 each have been awarded to projects involving food growing, community collaboration, and outdoor learning. The projects help schools create biodiverse-rich environments for students to learn from and connect with nature.

Ten schools have won £1k to undertake their nature projects, and 15 will be given £200. The winning schools are from England, Scotland and Wales.

Su Moore, Head of OVO Foundation said: “OVO Foundation are proud to continue supporting the Nature Prize. Through the inventiveness and diversity of the funded projects, we're truly able to see our mission of a greener, brighter future for the next generation come to life.”

Alex Green, Head of Let’s Go Zero Campaign, which is led by climate solutions charity, Ashden said: “These 25 schools have put forward incredible plans to boost the biodiversity in their schools and make sure students have beautiful places to learn, connect with nature and share with their communities. We were so impressed by their plans and enthusiasm and hope they inspire other schools to do the same.”

The £1,000 winning schools are:

• Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent, West Midlands  ​
• Elfed High School, Flintshire, Wales
• Stanton Vale Special School, Derbyshire
• Coten End Primary School, Warwick​
• Bugle School, Cornwall​
• Chestnut Park Primary School, Croydon​
• St Elizabeth Catholic Primary School, London​
• Parsons Heath CofE Primary School, Colchester​
• Bridgewater Primary School, Newcastle ​
• Blackfield Primary School, Southampton​