What is the Wilding Schools Project?
Why Wilding Schools is Needed
The decline of nature and the need for conservation have become critical global concerns. Wilding Schools align with the UK Government's goal to safeguard 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030 and the Department for Education's Climate Change and Sustainability Strategy (CCS Strategy),emphasising the importance of bringing nature back into school grounds.
The Urgency of the Situation:
Studies indicate the urgency of addressing biodiversity loss. Reports by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) and the State of Nature report highlight the risks of extinction for one million plant and animal species, as well as significant declines in 41% of UK species over the past 50 years.
Wilding school grounds is a tangible way of getting pupils involved in tackling this challenge.
The Impact of Wilding
Restoring Biodiversity:
By incorporating and restoring native plants and animals into school grounds, schools can establish habitats and food supplies that attract a variety of species, actively contributing to biodiversity conservation.
Carbon Storage and Climate Resilience:
Wilding also contributes to carbon storage and climate resilience. Reintroducing indigenous flora and strategically wilding near water bodies can help mitigate the impact of extreme weather events by regulating water flow and providing valuable carbon absorption.
The Aims of the Wilding Schools Project
Empowering Young People:
The core objective of the Wilding Schools project is to empower young people to restore wildlife and biodiversity on their schoolgrounds. Students will work collaboratively to develop comprehensive wilding plans, identifying target species for restoration and set SMART goals for progress.
Collaborative Effort:
Wilding Schools is a collective effort that seeks engagement from the entire school community. Through partnerships with organisations like the Natural History Museum and the Wildlife Trusts and working alongside local wildlife experts, schools will have access to a range of resources, guidance and support, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
How to Get Involved
Join the Wilding Schools Movement:
Register your interest and become part of the Wilding Schools project. By joining, you can make a difference in your school community and contribute to greener, more sustainable schools!