Children in England have been invited to join a new horticulture initiative, led by the Natural History Museum and Royal Horticultural Society.
All schools, nurseries and colleges across the country are eligible to join the National Education Nature Park initiative, which aims to boost the importance of nature in education.
The new programme gives young people the opportunity to connect with nature and boost the country’s biodiversity through activities such as building rain gardens, growing pollinator-friendly plants, and installing bird boxes.
Programme Benefits:
- Supports the curriculum with free, high quality teaching and learning resources
- Upskills and builds educator confidence
- Contributes to nature recovery
- Improves wellbeing
- Adds to real scientific research
Clare Matterson, Director General of the RHS, stated: “With the world facing multiple crises, from the climate emergency to biodiversity loss, gardening can be integral to addressing them. Through gardening and development of practical and digital skills, we want to empower children and young people to make their nurseries, schools and colleges better places for people, wildlife and the planet. Saving the world starts at our fingertips.”
Schools, nurseries and colleges in England have also been invited to take part in a Hidden Nature Challenge to get an insight into what the National Education Nature Park initiative has to offer.
Accompanying Climate Action Awards, developed by the Royal Society, to recognise schools and colleges that have brought about change at an institutional level, supporting students in developing green skills and championing nature, will roll out in January 2024.
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