Two Wiltshire primary schools are to embark on new projects promoting biodiversity and environmental studies thanks to grants from the Wiltshire Wildlife Community Energy (WWCE) Ltd.
Wiltshire Wildlife Community Energy Ltd are one of the country's largest non-profit solar energy enterprises.
Shaw Ridge Primary in Swindon, and Holbrook Primary in Trowbridge, were both successful in their applications for financial support from the energy group’s charitable Community Fund.
Holbrook Primary has been awarded £1,235 which will go towards the construction of a new pond and a dedicated outdoor learning area, where students will have the opportunity to explore and study the environment.
This is the second scheme at the school to be funded by WWCE, having previously received £5,000 to develop a new garden space on the school field, led by a therapeutic gardener.
Meanwhile, Shaw Ridge Primary’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) has received £1,050 to pay for two wildlife cameras, hedgehog houses, and a bat detector so that the volunteer-run group can monitor and increase biodiversity at its newly created ‘unity eco-garden’.
The funding will also enable the purchase of a display board made of recycled wood, showcasing the group’s findings to the local community.
Jon Bateman, chair of WWCE’s Community Fund expressed his optimism at seeing the work going on in Wiltshire’s schools.
He said: “Supporting these kinds of projects is exactly what Wiltshire Wildlife Community Energy’s Community Fund was set up to do. It is so encouraging to see primary schools engaging children with the protection of wildlife at such a young age.”
Julian Barlow, chair of WWCE and trustee of the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust said: “By promoting children’s environmental awareness and stimulating their interest in a cleaner, greener future through these grants, we’re able to do our bit to protect and increase biodiversity in the short-term, while inspiring the next generation of planet protectors.”
Abbie Dart, chair of the ‘Friends of Shaw Ridge’ PTA, said: “Getting the children involved with protecting wildlife is hugely important to us and involving them with this project will hopefully motivate them to look after the planet as they grow. We plan to learn from the team at Holbrook, sharing knowledge to make both projects as effective as possible.”
Rose Nunn, Deputy Headteacher at Holbrook Primary School, added: “Holbrook children are benefiting hugely from the development of our new garden area and relish the opportunity to work alongside our therapeutic gardener learning about protecting wildlife, valuing nature, and learning about permaculture.”
The WWCE Community Fund is managed by a panel who meet three times a year to review applications and allocate grants.
Those interested in finding out more about the WWCE, or applying, can visit www.wwce.org.
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