Warwickshire Wildlife Trust have partnered with a brand new secondary school, Christ Church Secondary Academy, at the Priory Fields Nature Reserve on the Warwickshire and Birmingham border.  With the school opening in September 2021, the staff from both the school and the Trust joined together to provide experiences for pupils on an enrichment programme enabling them to take action for wildlife and learn more about the wild spaces on their doorstep.

The cycle of eight week programmes throughout the year will enable 80 children to help practically manage the local nature reserve and learn about the importance of habitat management in halting the decline of wildlife. Trust staff introduced the site and gave the pupils the knowledge of why management is important and how it helps create a diversity of age and structures in habitats like woodland to benefit a wealth of wildlife. Having a go at coppicing, where trees are cut down to ground level, to promote regrowth through using hand tools such as bowsaws has seen pupils learn new skills and understand more about the importance of managing habitats and doing so safely.  

The pupils have really enjoyed the experiences so far. Here is some of their feedback:

"One thing I loved was the excitement of helping the environment."

"My favourite part of enrichment was that it was outside."

"I've learnt this about myself... I enjoyed helping nature."

"I would tell other students that it might sound boring, but it is really fun!"

Karl Curtis, Director of Reserves and Community Engagement at Warwickshire Wildlife Trust said: 
"It has been a fantastic opportunity to get the local young people involved in their local nature reserve. It really empowers them to take action for wildlife and they learn so much about their local green space and will hopefully go onto to appreciate and protect it in the future. This kind of partnership is imperative as it not only embeds local people in their local wild spaces but this kind of activity is hugely enriching for young people as you need to hone your team work and communication skills to make it a success."

Ellie Ellis Bryant of Christ Church Secondary Academy said:
"Establishing a new school in Yardley Wood is an incredible opportunity for the children and the community.  We’ve been delighted to work with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust to take care of the nature reserve on our doorstep.  It’s been joyful to watch the children learning how to take risks, stay safe and work together as a team, all whilst doing important work for the environment.  We love being able to harness that energy and channel it into service for our community at the same time as giving space for children to flourish and find their passion in life."

It is hoped that this is the start of a long and fruitful partnership, demonstrating local people taking action for wildlife in their local patch and helping tackle the ecological crisis we face to bring about a return of wildlife. The input of the academy’s enrichment programme will help manage the woodland and control unwanted plants on site so there is a rich mix of habitats for the local wildlife and people to enjoy.