Environment Group Report

The environment group started at the beginning of the spring term. In the first couple of weeks, we decided what our aims were and what we were going to do in order to make the school more biodiverse and environmentally friendly. Ultimately, we hope to make the science block completely self-sustaining. Here is a brief summary of our ideas.

 

Alan looking through a forest of flowers

Our first idea was to create the school logo out of Golden tagetes (Marigold) and Lobelia flowers.  This would then create the blue and yellow squares of the logo.

It should also help increase biodiversity by attracting a variety of insect species.

Status:  We have the plants ready – we have received permission and we will begin making the logo soon.

Update:  The 'living school badge' is situated in the quadrangle at the centre of the school buildings and it is visible from the main entrance hall.  It is a colourful addition to the formal garden and we hope that it will raise awareness of the Environment Group among other pupils so that we can achieve much more progress in 2007-8.

Our next idea was to build a bird box out of waste wood.  We were inspired by Dr. Ross building a bird box at a competition.  Our bird boxes should attract small birds such as blue tits.

 

One of the bird boxes

This will help increase biodiversity by attracting a variety of bird species to the school.

Status:  Complete.  We have hung them behind the science block.  Please feel free to have a look.  Thank you to Mr. Young for donating the materials.

Alan Kefrosh, Anthony Smith and Jan Memedovic

21st May 2007

Alan Kefrosh, Anthony Smith and Jan Memedovic

Environment Group Report   2007

Ideas for Improvement

The following are suggestions posted (post-it notes on poster) by members of the newly formed Environment group in January 2007, as we began to plan our activities for the future:

Bat boxes

Wildlife garden pond

Buy British; Buy local – Clarks farmers market; Buy carbon-neutral foods

Water saving – toilet flush bag; Grey water toilets; Water butts

Recycle bins

Willow bio fuel

Plant fruit trees

Butterfly & bumble bee area

Take part in Spring watch

Sunflower oil in cars

Take down the pigeon spikes

Double glazing

Signs on light switches

Inside garden in old sports hall

Compost; Litter duty and compost turning for detentions

Medicinal plants garden

Sugar beet

Gunge teacher with highest energy consumption

School radio & media

Raise awareness

Wind turbine

Solar

Water wheel

Hedgehog release area for rescue hedgehogs from Wildcare centre

Wildlife survey & monitoring

No smoking in bunkers alley

Habitats for small mammals, birds, insects

Organic vegetable plot

Design competition – environmental garden

So far we have:

ü          built and placed three bird boxes,

ü          planted forget-me-nots,

ü          raised from seed and planted out Tagetes and Lobelia – in the shape of the school badge

ü          taken part in Miss Searles branding / logo competition for the outdoor classroom – to be called ‘The Green Room’

ü          prepared to site a Stag Beetle habitat at the edge of the Green Room

We have lots of ideas and enthusiasm – so join us next year!

– Thursdays after school