Pupils at Hamilton Grammar in South Lanarkshire have a fantastic learning resource right on their doorstep. Faced with a large area of ‘overgrown’ vegetation, they suspected that it was far from being ‘waste’ ground. They worked with BSBI, the Botanical Survey of the British Isles, to record and classify the plant species present and their suspicions were confirmed - their grounds were, in fact, a haven for plantlife; with over 176 different species! The grounds are now used on a regular basis for various lessons and you can view the results of their survey at More Info
That’s not all, however - pupils and staff have worked hard to establish a fantastic vegetable-growing area and all vegetable or fruit waste generated in the Home Economics department is composted in the grounds. There are even tales of large quantities of brambles being collected in the school grounds and jam being made…!
For more case studies from schools, sources of ideas and help, download the Spring 2007 Eco Schools Scotland newsletter, which was dedicated to school grounds, at: Eco Schools Scotland Newsletter Website: Eco Schools Scotland