Biodiversity and Schools
Do you work or go to a school or college? This information will allow you to see why biodiversity matters to you and why you matter to biodiversity! There are plenty of ways to get involved, many of which do not require a bigger workload.
Some Examples of Curriculum Links:
- Maths - design and carry out surveys and questionnaires.
- Science - look at materials and their sources (eg paper and trees).
- English - writing reports, creating displays and public speaking.
- History - use photos to study how the school grounds have changed over time.
- Geography - learn how peoples’ actions impact the local environment.
- Art & Design - create a sculpture for feeding birds in the school grounds.
Why this Plan?
Some habitats, plants and animals are at risk and can be helped by making some changes in our daily lives. As you flip through the full technical plan, you will see that each habitat and species action plan has a list of background information and an action table, which lists practical projects to be carried out.
The main way schools can help realise these actions is by raising awareness - in schools, at home and in the neighbourhood - and by applying some of the Green Tips listed below into every day life! In doing so, schools will be helping to achieve the objectives of this Plan.
Green Tips:
- Create a wildlife garden in your school grounds and use it for teaching.
- Encourage pupils and staff to recycle paper and save envelopes.
- Carry out a survey of transport and consider car-pooling or walking through safe routes.
- Save energy by only heating water to hand hot.
- Only use peat-free compost for your garden, or use your own compost.
Helpful Contacts and Information:
- The Clackmannanshire Biodiversity Co-ordinator (01259 452 639).
- The Clackmannanshire Countryside Ranger Service (01259 452409).
- The "Biodiversity Calendar for Clackmannanshire’s Schools", produced by the Clackmannanshire Biodiversity Partnership.
- "Eco-Schools" (contact 01786 471333). Topics covered are - litter, waste minimisation, energy, water, transport, healthy living and school grounds.
