Pupils at Church Hill Middle School in Redditch are enjoying a transformed outdoor learning space after support from a Worcestershire County Council Public Health wellbeing grant helped bring new life to the school’s pond area. Designed as a hub for a newly established Eco Council and environmental club, the project responded to a desire to create more opportunities for children to connect with nature, learn outdoors and take an active role in improving their school environment.
Working alongside staff, families and the wider school community, the project focused on renovating an existing pond area and turning it into an engaging space for exploration and wellbeing. The grant enabled the school to introduce new water-based plants, seating for group activities, observation equipment such as magnifiers and clipboards, and educational features to help pupils learn more about wildlife and ecosystems. The work formed part of wider community action activities involving pupils and parents in improving the Church Hill environment.
The completed space is now being used by the Eco Council during weekly lunchtime sessions and after-school activities, providing young people with regular opportunities to spend time outdoors, work together and develop a greater understanding of the natural world. The renovation has created an attractive and welcoming environment where pupils can observe wildlife, develop practical environmental skills and enjoy the wellbeing benefits of connecting with green space.
The impact of the project extends beyond the physical improvements. By involving pupils, parents and the wider school community in creating and caring for the space, the school has fostered a sense of ownership, pride and responsibility that will continue long after the grant-funded work has been completed. The pond area will remain a valuable learning resource for future pupils while supporting ongoing Eco Council activities and environmental education across the school.
If your school or college has an idea to improve your pupils’ health and wellbeing, find out more and apply through the Educational Wellbeing Grant programme: Educational Wellbeing Grants | Worcestershire County Council