A group of 30 green-fingered student volunteers from across all year groups and a member of staff at Bristol Metropolitan Academy is making a real difference with its Eco Club, adding wildlife, flora, and greenery to the bustling school community.
This eco-friendly project was started three years ago by science teacher Ms Lloyd in response to a request from a pupil. They found an area in the school that was already fenced off and decided to rewild it by clearing it of litter and asking the school grounds people not to mow it.
As a result of that simple action, wildflowers sprung up, and with them pollinators and other invertebrates. The group extended its actions to make bug houses and bird feeders, and began a long campaign to install a pond, which it has now done. The wildlife area is slowly being populated by small plants and animals which the students are documenting in their science lessons.
Last year the ECO Club succeeded in achieving the Eco Schools Green Flag with Merit. This year the club has grown further to 30 members, and as well as maintaining the school allotment they have planted 105 trees in the wildlife area – quite an achievement!
The club has also been busy working with Modeshift Stars to formulate an active travel plan for the school. Six pupils went to City Hall to present their plan and see if they could win some funding, which they succeeded in doing. A cheque for £250 was handed over for the school and the pupils to implement their plan.
The club is currently working on a sensory garden at Glenside Museum in partnership with museum staff. It is also drawing up plans to create an outside classroom in the school grounds, and preparing for an eco day on 23 June where there will be lots of fun activities, outdoor learning and money raised for environmental charities.
Ms Lloyd said, “Eco Club is a magical hour in the week where like-minded students and staff get together and have fun outdoors, caring for the environment and each other. I’m so proud of what we have achieved together.”