Pupils from St Martin’s Primary School have transformed their local meadow into a pollinator-friendly learning space.

The school’s “Rights Squad”, a group of pupils aged 8-11, have spearheaded the plan to nurture the space’s biodiversity and native wildlife.

They have been focussing on the critical role pollinators play in global food systems for the last year and hope the reformed meadow will attract local pollinators.

Pictured:  The students were inspired by Article 24 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which champions every child’s right to nutritious food.

Clare Giles, Headteacher at St Martin’s Primary School, said: “Our Rights Squad continue to impress us with their thoughtfulness, passion and drive. The enhancement of St Martin’s Meadow is a great example of what children can achieve when given the opportunity.”

Ms Giles continued: “This space will support both pollinators and learning for years to come.”

Alongside Angela Salmon from the Nature Commission, the students surveyed the field to identify the native pollinator plants already present. With guidance from the Pollinator Project and GROW, the pupils then selected additional native species to enrich the biodiversity of the space. 

A path and a classroom have since been mown into the space to make it accessible and facilitate the students’ outdoor learning.

Pictured: The space has also been made accessible with a path mown into the field

Guernsey Housing Association (GHA) provided access to this land as part of its commitment to community, education and biodiversity.

Vic Slade, Chief Executive of GHA, added: “We’re proud to support such an inspiring initiative by making this land available. Otherwise, it would have been on a routine grounds maintenance programme.”

Ms Spade continued: “It’s a great opportunity to support learning, biodiversity and better outcomes for nature and the environment.”