Two Flintshire schools receive national prizes for nature projects

 

Two Flintshire schools have been awarded national prizes for their innovative nature projects, aimed at boosting biodiversity, encouraging outdoor learning, and engaging the community in green initiatives.

Elfed High School and Ysgol Bryn Deva were among 25 schools across the UK recognised by the Let’s Go Zero campaign and OVO Foundation’s Nature Prize.

The schools will use the funding to develop outdoor spaces, grow food, and promote sustainability.

Elfed High School has been awarded £1,000 to expand its successful herb garden project.

The prize money will be used to create raised beds for growing fresh fruit and vegetables, which will be distributed to local elderly residents in community food boxes.

Every student will take part in weekly lessons in the garden, and once the initiative is up and running, they plan to host a monthly plant sale using seeds harvested on-site to help fund the garden’s running costs.

Meanwhile, Ysgol Bryn Deva in Connah’s Quay received £200 to create a dedicated outdoor learning space.

The school will purchase composting bins, basic gardening tools, and raised beds to encourage sustainable gardening practices. A community planting event will bring students and their families together to plant native trees and shrubs, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the environment.

The Nature Prize is part of the OVO Foundation’s Climate Changers programme, which helps schools engage students with nature and support climate action in their communities.

Su Moore, Head of OVO Foundation, said: “OVO Foundation are proud to continue supporting the Nature Prize. Through the inventiveness and diversity of the funded projects, we’re truly able to see our mission of a greener, brighter future for the next generation come to life.”

Alex Green, Head of Let’s Go Zero, praised the schools’ creativity: “These 25 schools have put forward incredible plans to boost the biodiversity in their schools and make sure students have beautiful places to learn, connect with nature and share with their communities. We were so impressed by their plans and enthusiasm and hope they inspire other schools to do the same.”

Over the last three years, the OVO Foundation Nature Prize has brought more than 37,000 children closer to nature.