OVO Foundation Nature Prize for schools: Applications close 6 March 2023
Let’s Go Zero has launched a new Nature Prize for schools in partnership with OVO Foundation
The Nature Prize will support schools to increase access to nature for their students and local communities, improve biodiversity in their school grounds, and kick-start climate action.
OVO Foundation and Let’s Go Zero share a belief that all children and young people should have access to nature and are committed to building a brighter, greener future for the next generation.
Schools, nurseries, and colleges across the UK can enter for the chance to win a cash prize to implement their own nature projects and bring their students closer to nature.
Planting vegetables, creating outdoor learning spaces, or building bug hotels are just some of the ways schools can encourage nature in the school grounds, but the possibilities are endless, and schools are encouraged to be as creative as possible in their entries.
Photo: School 360, a Let’s Go Zero School
There is already a huge amount of research demonstrating the importance of nature connection for children, with those who spend time outdoors experiencing better mental and physical health, and improved well-being. The government, recognising this fact, has made a policy commitment to get children closer to nature, both in and out of school. Money from the OVO Foundation Nature Prize will help to do just that, enabling over 37,000 children and young people to learn in and for nature, whilst improving student well-being.
Schools are key places to enact and inspire change in the next generation as well as the wider community. Judges for the Nature Prize will be particularly looking for projects whose impact reaches beyond the school gates. Schools could invite members of the community, local businesses, or other schools in to learn about, or take part in, their nature projects as part of widening the project’s impact.
Judges are also keen to see applications from schools in less-advantaged areas, or for projects that benefit less-advantaged students. Access to nature for children and young people is highly unequal across the UK: it has been reported that, on average, 12% of children never, or rarely, visit natural environments.
Competition entries will be judged by Let’s Go Zero team members and OVO employees in an online vote. Judges hope to see a wide range of projects being entered and are excited to see just how creative schools can be.
Apply now
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