Give your feedback
Our Projects
As part of the Exeter Wild City Project, DWT joined
forces with Devon County Council and the Devon Learning Partnership to develop five school grounds
for the benefit of wildlife and learning.
With DCC funding, a plan for each school was drawn up. Teacher training events showed how simple activities in the grounds could be engaging for
students and beneficial for wildlife.
The results were impressive!
Several schools saw significant improvements in their wildlife spaces,
some built invertebrate towers, others planted trees or developed areas
for bees and butterflies.
Over 300 students and 30 staff took part. For more
details
contact pmartin@devonwildlifetrust.org
Feedback from schools
DWT works with many schools in the county. Here is a selection of comments from some of the staff we have worked with:
"Our partnership with Devon Wildlife Trust has been of great benefit. It has increased our capacity and expertise in a wide range of activities, which has really moved our community forward with regards to education for sustainable development."
Assistant Head, Churston Ferrers Grammar School
“Really enjoyable two days. The Children learnt and retained so much information! The games were really lively and everything was pitched perfectly for the age group – Thanks!”
Year 2 Teacher, White Rock Primary School
“Working with Paul Martin and the Devon Wildlife Trust has injected new life into our surroundings. Paul’s enthusiasm for this project has spread throughout the school and what started as a small project rapidly turned into a whole term’s topic for every child in Key Stage Two! We’ve enjoyed a cross curricular approach, with the children out in the fresh air every day.
The value that our school has been focusing on this term is independence and it’s been lovely to watch the children taking control of the project and making decisions about their garden, from the planning stage, right through to getting a spade in their hands. They were in charge of everything, researching, mapping (with a little help from the Trust), and raising money to pay for everything. The children went to the garden centre themselves and in teams, worked with a budget to get the best value for money.
Their team work and communication skills have blossomed (no pun intended). The children cannot believe the transformation that has taken place as a result of their hard work and they feel a real sense of satisfaction and achievement when they look at the beauty of the garden.
The guidance, motivation and support provided by the Wildlife Trust have allowed this project to snowball. It’s been a great success, which has enabled the whole community to get involved, from turf digging days to our ‘Grand Opening'. All in all, an exciting project which has developed the children’s learning, independence and their love and knowledge of the outdoor environment.”
Year 5 Teacher, Collaton St Mary CoE (VA) Primary School
"Thank you for all your ideas, support and advice. Please keep coming in to work with us!!”
Year 3 and 4 Teacher, Eden Park Primary School