Schools from across Wiltshire have been recognised for their commitment to nature recovery and
environmental improvement through the Wiltshire Biodiversity Champions initiative. On Track Westbury School was one of just 7 schools that completed a four-step biodiversity assessment process, including surveying school grounds, assessing habitats from a wildlife perspective, and developing biodiversity action plans and submitting assessments for review.
The initiative forms part of Wiltshire Council's ongoing work to support biodiversity and enhance wildlife habitats across the county. As part of the programme, schools were supported by the council and its street scene contractor, Idverde, to assess habitats, plants and wildlife on their sites, identify opportunities for improvement and develop practical plans to create more wildlife-friendly spaces for both nature and learning.
Throughout the programme, each school took part in a wide range of projects designed to support local wildlife and encourage environmental stewardship among pupils.
Projects ranged from litter picking, as part of the Great British Spring Clean, to creating habitats for pollinators, birds and hedgehogs, carrying out wildlife surveys, planting wildflowers and developing outdoor learning spaces.
On Track Westbury developed plans focused on improving habitats, increasing native planting, supporting pollinators and creating opportunities for outdoor learning and environmental engagement and in particular, helping develop the Dilton Marsh Community garden project.
On Wednesday 8 July, On Track Education Westbury was recognised as Wiltshire a Biodiversity Champion and received certificates and biodiversity resources, including wildflower seed mixes, bird boxes, bat boxes, bee boxes, butterfly houses, bug hotels and hedgehog houses, to help continue their biodiversity journeys.
Members of Salisbury Men's Shed handcrafted the wooden biodiversity resources. This community group brings people together to share skills, enjoy social connections and work on practical projects that benefit the local community. Their contribution has helped provide the school with high-quality habitats for local wildlife while supporting a valuable community initiative.
One OTW student gave a presentation to the visiting to describe and explain how they had developed plans and practical skills to create and improve natural habitats as well as increase the natural flora and fauna as part of a community sustainability initiative.
Cllr Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways and Streetscene, said: "The Wiltshire Biodiversity Champions initiative is a fantastic example of how young people can make a real contribution to nature recovery in Wiltshire.
"Pupils have not only learned about local wildlife and habitats, but have also taken practical action to improve biodiversity in their school grounds and communities.
"From creating habitats for hedgehogs, birds and pollinators to planting wildflowers and developing outdoor learning spaces, these projects will leave lasting benefits for wildlife while helping young people build a greater understanding of the environment around them.
"I would like to congratulate every school that took part. Their enthusiasm, creativity and commitment demonstrate how local action can play an important role in supporting nature recovery across Wiltshire."
The school's assessments were reviewed by award-winning environmental educator Eco Edd and Tom Bellamy, Biodiversity Manager for idverde and the RSPB at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London.
Eco Edd said: "I was really impressed by how much everyone has done, especially… On Track. At On Track they had a blank canvas, so I was interested to see and hear what they have been up to since we last visited."
Tom added, "It has been really inspiring reading the plans for nature submitted by each of the schools. A wide variety of species groups have been considered in their plans, which will help to make their local area more biodiverse. Community initiatives such as this help to deliver nature recovery across Wiltshire."
The Wiltshire Biodiversity Champions initiative supports the council's wider commitment to nature recovery
and aims to inspire more schools and communities to take action for wildlife across the county.