Nature Prize for schools

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 funder 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.

‘A greener, brighter future’

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.

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

‘OVO Foundation is 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.’

SU MOORE
Head of OVO Foundation

A few of the winners

The Rooftop Nature Oasis: £1,000
Chestnut Park Primary School, Croydon, London

With only a single tarmacked playground and no on-site green space, Chestnut Park Primary School will transform a rooftop into a nature oasis, featuring an outdoor classroom, planters, wildlife habitats and more. The prize money, combined with other grants, creates a multifunctional green space for them, and will help to inspire other inner-city schools.

The Horticulture Careers Garden: £1,000
Stanton Vale Special School, Long Eaton, Derbyshire

Stanton Vale Special School will equip students with essential life skills, including growing, harvesting and preparing food. The prize money establishes a sustainable kitchen garden, integrating curriculum and post-16 opportunities for practical learning and gaining essential life skills.
 
Creating Grey to Green Community Workshops: £200
Co-op Academy Portland, Wirral

Co-op Academy Portland will host workshops teaching gardening and transforming grey spaces into green ones. Students are leading efforts to plant native species and pollinator-friendly flowers via seed bombs and window boxes, promoting environmental awareness and boosting biodiversity in the school community.

The Wildlife Haven Hideaway: £200
Selkirk High School, Scotland

Selkirk High School’s horticulture students aim to create a wildlife garden and observation area in a disused area of the school, with bird houses, bat boxes, insect hotels and a pond. The space will foster a thriving ecosystem, with willow hedging allowing students to observe wildlife without disturbance.