Lessons in nature with real legs

Gardens of all sizes give us the opportunity to get outdoors, get our hands dirty and learn new skills.

But these spaces can also have a positive impact on local wildlife and the wider eco-system.

When St Alban’s C of E Primary in Hampshire was shortlisted for Cultivation Street’s school gardening competition, sponsored by Calliope, the judges were bowled over. The school has spent the past 12 years developing small sections to look after mini beasts.

Julie Newman, St Alban’s outdoor educator, said: “We have not made large-scale, instant changes to our outside space but have developed small pockets of accessible garden spaces.

“Driven by their love of nature, pupils became passionate about the plight and importance of pollinators and power of our cumulative small changes.

“Living consciously is now a large part of our school life.”

These wildlife havens are also a great place for children to explore and learn.

Julie added: “We were excited to find our first thick-legged flower beetle on site, feeding in our meadow border. They’re not rare but the children have been looking for them for a long time.

“Our Year 6 gardeners also found ashy mining bees this year, in one of our wild areas. These findings are, for us, a cause of celebration because they show us that our efforts are continuing to make a difference to local nature.”

For more information about school and community gardening, visit cultivationstreet.com.