Peterborough pupils transform school grounds into thriving nature space

Students at Richard Barnes Academy (RBA) in Peterborough have enhanced their school grounds into a vibrant, nature-rich environment as part of a major programme delivered in partnership with Earthwatch Europe through its Green Earth Schools initiative, which helps schools create nature-rich spaces for outdoor learning and play.

RBA is a two-campus alternative provision setting supporting young people who need time away from mainstream education. It is part of Thomas Deacon Education Trust. The Green Earth Schools initiative aims to create quality green spaces in urban playground areas, identifying, designing and installing features that support outdoor learning and provide nature-rich environments for school communities to enjoy.

On Wednesday, 3rd June, the school welcomed the Earthwatch team to the Fitzwilliam Campus for the final, exciting day of the Green Earth Schools programme – a “Green Earth Day”. Building on planning and design workshops held earlier this year, pupils from the Fitzwilliam Campus took full charge of the project, ensuring the final layout reflected their own vision for the space.

Both primary and secondary pupils got fully immersed during the day. Activities included nature crafts, planting flowering and edible plants into rejuvenated flower beds, learning about the environment, and building a large “bug hotel” designed to attract insects to the outdoor area. The project also introduced new outdoor seating areas, specifically created for both primary and secondary pupils to enjoy their own dedicated nature spaces.

At the heart of the Green Earth Day was a simple but powerful idea - connecting young people with nature builds happier, healthier and more environmentally aware communities. Pupil voice is at the centre of this biodiversity project, and pupils were delighted to see their ideas implemented as part of the rejuvenation, including the new outdoor seating areas.

The project was made possible thanks to support from the Peterborough-based environmental charity PECT, which introduced the school to the Earthwatch team, and local company Addison Lee, whose volunteers provided both time and sponsorship to help bring the plans to life.

Reflecting on the collaboration, Lotte Holloway, Learning and Programme Coordinator at Earthwatch Europe, said: “We have all loved being a part of this project with Richard Barnes and are hugely grateful to the wonderful, hard-working teachers, groundsmen and our contacts at the academy trust for making this project so smooth and impactful. A big thank you from Earthwatch!” 

Her colleague, Anna Steele-Perkins, also a Learning and Programme Coordinator at Earthwatch Europe, noted the impact on the pupils during the event: “It was truly a privilege to be a part of this, as for some students it was their first time planting. Seeing how their energy shifted and how focused they became was wonderful to experience. I hope they continue to connect with nature in their new, green, outdoor space.”

Lisa Goodchild, TDET Head of Operations, said: “It was a pleasure to join the Earthwatch team and their volunteers to focus on the provision of beautiful new green space at the Fitzwilliam campus.  The sense of community on the day was very rewarding for everyone involved.  Thank you to both the Peterborough environmental charity PECT for introducing us to the wonderful Earthwatch Team, and also to local employer Addison Lee and their partner SKOOT, for providing volunteers and sponsorship towards the day; we are very grateful for their support and kindness”

Ruth Slater, Deputy Head of RBA’s Fitzwilliam Campus, added: “Our students have greatly enjoyed learning about the natural environment and contributing to the design of these new spaces. By connecting with nature in this way, they are developing a deeper understanding of the world around them. They now benefit from a rich, nature-filled environment that supports learning, curiosity and wellbeing - reminding us that, as David Attenborough said: "nature is not only a place to learn, but also a source of inspiration and calm.”

The rejuvenation of the Fitzwilliam Campus grounds signifies the academy’s commitment to providing pupils with real-world experiences that extend beyond the classroom. By creating a space that the pupils helped to design and build, the academy hopes to create a lasting sense of ownership and pride in the school environment.

Claire Everton, Principal of RBA, concluded: “Our students often come to us after struggling to find their place in conventional schools. Projects like this give them a chance to take ownership of their environment and see the results of their own hard work. It has been wonderful to watch our students planning, designing, and then physically building these spaces. This garden belongs to them. By creating a calm, supportive area, we are helping them re-engage with their learning and gain a real sense of pride.”

To learn more about Richard Barnes Academy and its holistic approach to helping learners become the best version of themselves, visit https://www.rjba.education/.