The national school grounds charity, Learning through Landscapes, has been teaching children across Merseyside about the importance of the natural environment through outdoor learning and play.
Learning through Landscapes, through £250,000 funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, has partnered with 16 schools across the county for its project.
My School, My Planet, has worked specifically with children from urban communities, who for many are disadvantaged through location and may have limited access to the outdoors. Pupils took part in exploring their cultural and natural heritage, particularly in the context of climate change. The project enabled individuals to develop ideas, leading to positive practical changes that will benefit nature within their school grounds and community sites.
Some of the children they work with may have never experienced walking on grassed areas, while others might not have access to a garden at home, making the simple act of touching soil a completely new and exciting experience for them.
Niki Cooke, Project Officer at Learning through Landscapes,said: “We have thoroughly enjoyed working with the children in Merseyside and seeing the ideas that they have had to enhance their environment has been brilliant.
“We want all children to experience nature, so we have taught them about wildlife and how to grow plants, as well as the importance of soil science, nature conservation and the impact of climate change. Equipping children with knowledge about their natural surroundings fosters a sense of responsibility and connection to the environment, ensuring they understand the vital role of ecosystems and sustainability.
“We really want children to feel a responsibility for their community and to be invested in how it develops and can help in the future.”
Across the UK, school grounds account for an area the size of Birmingham, Cardiff, Belfast and Glasgow combined, with 80% of that space made up of tarmac and mown grass. Neither of those surfaces are good for biodiversity, the changing climate, or for children to get the most out of their surroundings.
The project gives pupils the chance to make environmentally friendly changes to their school grounds, that benefit local wildlife, their time spent outdoors and the broader school community.
A dedicated team of Project Officers has been engaging with teachers and pupils at the Liverpool schools, including St Cuthbert’s Primary School in Old Swan.
Claire Bellis-Knox, headteacher at St Cuthbert’s School, said: “The project is enabling them (children) to become immersed in nature and the outdoors whilst both being active and having fun.”
Learning through Landscapes is a charity dedicated to enhancing outdoor learning and play for children and young people. With a focus on environmental education, the organisation empowers schools and communities to create inspiring outdoor spaces that promote learning, health, and wellbeing.
My School, My Planet North West has been generously funded through the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Westminster Foundation.
