Housebuilders Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes and Kent Wildlife Trust have concluded their Wilder Schools programme after delivering four fun educational workshops at Sandown School, near its Sholden Meadows development.
Run by Kent Wildlife Trust, the largest conservation charity in Kent, the Wilder Schools programme equips children and young people with the skills, confidence and motivation to become active champions for nature. The activities included workshops on sustainability action plans, habitat fragmentation and eco-anxiety.
As part of the initiative, the pupils workshopped ideas to make their school grounds friendlier to wildlife, which led to Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes contributing an additional £440 of funding.
The donation enabled Kent Wildlife Trust to purchase watering cans and recycling bins for each classroom, aiming to encourage the children’s development into stewards of nature. The funding also supported a workshop in which the children created their own ollas, which are clay pots used for low-maintenance self-watering.
When considering how they can improve their school playground for wildlife, the children chose to include an injection of greenery and colour. This resulted in the purchase of two sensory herb gardens growing mint, thyme, rosemary and sage. Two planters containing pollinator-friendly climbing plants were also added to support the growth of nectar-rich flowers to run along one wall of the playground.
Bella Sabin-Dawson, Wilder Education Officer at Kent Wildlife Trust, commented: “The pupils we worked with at Sandown School were highly engaged and brimming with ideas for transforming their school grounds. We were delighted when Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes lent their support to bring the children’s vision to life.
Not only did the extra resources support the delivery of our final workshop, but the programme left the school with a lasting legacy to continue their work on wildlife and sustainability long into the future.”
Harry Gambrell, Year 4 Teacher at Sandown School, added: “It’s been wonderful to see the positive impact the Wilder Schools programme has had on our pupils. Through the hands-on workshops, the children have acquired a practical understanding of how they can make a positive difference to our natural environment. What’s more, the provision of additional resources means we can keep the momentum going with our other year groups.”
Natalie Perry, Sales & Marketing Director at Barratt David Wilson Kent, concluded: “As the Wilder Schools programme comes to an end, we know it’s only the start for the pupils at Sandown School. As a housebuilder, we have a responsibility to build not only homes, but thriving, sustainable communities. By equipping children with the right education and skills, we’re providing the tools they need to carry this mission forward.”
