OVO Foundation Nature Prize
Schools can win the cash to implement a community nature project. Schools from disadvantaged areas with high pupil premium are particularly encouraged to apply.
Applications now closed.
Arbourthorne Community Primary School, Sheffield
Students shine at school’s first horticultural show
Staff at Arbourthorne Community Primary School are committed to increasing participation around nature and biodiversity for both their students and local community. With their £1,000 Nature Prize win, the school was able to provide every student with an at-home growing pack which they could then bring back to show off at the school’s first ever horticultural show.
Arbourthorne have been developing their outdoor provision for a number of years and have a large productive polytunnel for growing fruit and veg that is shared with families twice a week. Not only does this help those who might be struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, but also helps to reduce food miles and increases knowledge of where food comes from.
The idea for the growing kits and horticultural show came out of this effort to educate students about their food, and the desire to give every child the opportunity to experience growing something themselves. The prize money was used to provide all children in school with a pick and mix of five growing items. Many of the seeds on offer were drought resistant, tying into the school’s wider efforts to conserve and harvest water, as well as supporting learning in the science curriculum.
Angela Hiley, teacher and Community Gardener said of the growing kits: “The children were so excited to receive their packs. There was a real buzz around school. One child said it was the best day of their life! The children could choose 5 items from a pick and mix stall – choosing from compost, pot, seeds, plants and gloves.”
Students were given their growing packs before the summer holidays to take home and grow with the help of family members over the break. They then had the opportunity to bring back anything they had grown to the school’s very first Horticultural Show.
“There are lots more opportunities for children to be in our school growing space and they are telling us that they are in their gardens more because they are looking after their new plants. With their families, they’re becoming increasingly interested in growing.”
Angela Hiley, teacher and Community Gardener
The show, held on the first day back after the summer holidays, was a huge success with over 200 students and their families in attendance. As well as giving out awards for the amazing array of plants grown over the summer holidays, the school also invited local businesses and organisations to have stalls running various nature-themed activities.
There were opportunities to make organic bird feeders from The Wildlife Trusts, willow weaving with parent volunteers and feeding llamas and alpacas from a local farm. The local Community Fridge was also giving away a fantastic array of fresh produce, ensuring families have access to nutrient rich food. For a snapshot of what the day involved, watch the short film here.
Alongside all the fun activities, the day was also an opportunity for students to spend time in nature and for parents and carers to see the importance of outdoor learning. Since the onset of the project, staff have noticed students asking different questions and becoming more aware of nature, wanting to know more about the natural world and how to protect it.
The whole project formed part of the school’s initiative, ‘An Even Better Arbourthorne’ which aims to enact change in the community with the help of staff and parent volunteers. Through their family feast sessions, growing groups and Community Fridge, they aim to be as inclusive as possible, supporting families with the cost-of-living crisis and driving forward the school’s sustainability efforts.
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