Four Exeter schools have this week linked up with the Devon Wildlife Trust in a new initiative to encourage closer links between children, learning and wildlife.

Pinhoe Primary, Topsham Primary, St James and The Maynard have all signed up to the scheme which will see them promoting wildlife related learning and activities throughout their curriculum over the coming year.

The scheme has been set up by Devon Wildlife Trust’s Education Officer Paul Martin as part of the Exeter Wild City Project. Paul said: “This is an exciting development in our ever expanding work with local city schools. The new Partner Schools will really take our ideas of a green and wild city forward over the next year whilst at the same time bringing new and innovative learning experiences to their students.”

Paul added: “Learning about wildlife and the environment is becoming increasingly important. The things they learn while they are young will greatly influence the decisions they make in the future. We need a generation of wildlife champions who will stand up for a green Exeter and county.”

Steven Smerdon, Head of Maynard Junior School said: ”Since beginning our work with DWT last year, the children have a greater sense of ownership over the school grounds and have been inspired to make significant improvements to promote wildlife in Exeter from counting ladybirds to building a hedgehog house – although we are still waiting for our first visitor! Each new activity has led to engaging assemblies and some exciting environmental learning in the classrooms. We are really looking forward to extending this through our partnership with DWT.”

Justin Vernon from The Topsham School said: “The support and advice offered to us through DWT over the past couple of years has been a fantastic addition to our curriculum. We are really pleased to have been asked to become a Partner School which will enable us to further develop the opportunities we can offer our children in the years ahead.”

 
Matthew Barley a pupil from Pinhoe Church of England Primary School said: “I love wildlife and many types of bugs and beetles, so this is a real opportunity for us to discover even more about bugs and beetles and their habitats.”

Exeter Wild City is a five year partnership project led by Devon Wildlife Trust and Exeter City Council. The aim of the project is to improve green space for wildlife and people across the city, connecting them up so that wildlife can move through the urban setting.

For more information about the project visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org