Posted on: Thursday 4 June 2026
Pupils are being given the chance to channel their inner Joel Ashton or Frances Tophill and transform their school grounds.
A new Nature Schools programme is being piloted by pupils at Padre Pio Primary School, in Pontypool, who are working with the council's Healthy Planet Healthy People team to turn their school grounds into a nature-friendly haven.
They will look at what plants and animals live on or near their school grounds, how the space is used, and how they can increase biodiversity, such as by planting more trees, creating homes for wildlife and adding features to manage rainwater.
They will then get chance to get their hands dirty and make the changes before researching and reporting on what changes have taken place.
Schools that take part will receive a Nature School plaque to display.
Dawn Taylor, Eco Coordinator, Padre Pio Primary School, said: "As the eco lead at our school, I'm incredibly proud to share the launch of our new biodiversity project - an initiative designed to transform our grounds into a thriving habitat for local wildlife.
"This project is more than an environmental upgrade; it's a hands-on learning experience that empowers our pupils to understand the importance of protecting the natural world.
"By creating new homes for insects, birds and small mammals, we're giving the children a chance to see first-hand how even small actions can make a meaningful difference.
"Our pupils have been involved in planting pollinator friendly flowers to monitor the species that are beginning to settle in. Their enthusiasm has been inspiring, and it shows how deeply young people care about the future of our planet.
"We're excited to continue growing this project and to see the positive impact it will have on both our wildlife and our school community."
Cllr Mandy Owen, Executive member for Environment, said: "By giving pupils the chance to shape greener, more nature-friendly school environments, we’re not only supporting biodiversity but also helping young people feel more connected to the world around them.
"It’s inspiring to see pupils and council staff working together to create spaces that benefit both wildlife and wellbeing, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have at Padre Pio Primary School and beyond.”
Further information for schools interested in participating will be shared soon.
Schools that take part will receive a Nature School plaque to display.
The initiative is part of the wider Healthy Planet, Healthy People project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.