Every autumn is the start of a busy time for us. Students are back to school and we are getting ready for another season of tree and wildflower planting. Until then, we look back at the previous season to see and hear with the schools about how it all went.
We plant native wildflowers to create new green and wild spaces in every corner we can imagine. Whether it is small corners within a city school or large green plots in the countryside. Every wildflower and wild space counts for the future of our butterflies, bees and other insects that depend on them.
schools planted thousands of wildflowers last year
In the autumn and winter of 2023-24, we donated no less than 3,050 native wildflower plugs to 31 schools across Great Britain, with thanks to generous support from funders. We appreciate every single school that wishes to take part in helping restore nature and their local environment.
Check out the photos and read the stories from schools that planted wildflowers last winter, below.
Teacher and children digging in wildflower plugs in soil.
At Scissett Middle School, their teacher Claire shared with us:
“The pupils really enjoyed researching and preparing for the arrival of the flowers. They were surprised when the plug came as they’d never seen plants in that form before. The pupils ask to visit the flower bed everyday to see how they are coming on. With the rabbits and the big freeze they appear to be doing well. They are really looking forward to watching the flower bloom in the spring/summer and seeing what insects they attract.”
At Bower Park Academy in Romford, teacher Jayne told us:
“ERS have provided an opportunity for students who would not otherwise have access to this type of activity. It has allowed the students to develop their organisation skills, work together with students in a different year group. It was good to see the older students guiding the younger ones through the planting.
During the planting the students talked informally about school and everyday life which I think was really important for their wellbeing/mental health. They spoke about how the flowers when they grew would improve the look of the area as well as speculating about the insects it would attract – especially butterflies. They take great pride in the area that we are trying to build.”
Two large, brown aquared planters with soil and flowers.
At Long Ditton St Mary’s Junior School in Surrey, teacher Leila shared their experience with us:
“We used our Year 6 Eco leaders to help the two parent volunteers to lead the morning. We had some other activities going on alongside the planting, including litter picking on the school grounds, raking leaves off the school field, and making signs for the raised beds to ask people to kindly keep off.
Small native wildflowers in brown soil with a white tag saying 'keep off'.
This worked well as it meant we were able to focus with small groups on the wildflower planting, so that everyone got a turn to do some measuring of the beds and planting the plug plants. Since the planting the Year 6 eco leaders have been responsible for watering the flowers if they look dry. The children were really positive and it was a great opportunity to have children working across age groups for a common goal”.
You can also see the lovely video that our partner, Speedy Freight, got together about their planting with us and schools. You can read the blog about their tree planting here.
Looking ahead for a new planting season.
We are now looking forward to starting a new season of wildflower planting in the Autumn and Winter to come. It is still not too late for schools to sign up.
Show your interest in wildflowers and trees alike by filling in your contact details here on our website: https://www.earthrestorationservice.org/submit-your-school