School grounds projects

The Natural Heritage Grants Programme (NHGP) can provide funding for biodiversity projects within school grounds where these will be utilised as outdoor classrooms. School grounds biodiversity projects can provide children with hands on experience of biodiversity; raise awareness of wildlife needs; and increase environmental action.

As a general rule, NHGP can offer up to a maximum grant of £2,500 for primary and secondary school projects, and £1500 for nursery school projects, all at a maximum rate of 75%.

Think about this carefully when planning a biodiversity garden. How can you achieve your overall aims at the best value for money? Could you link this project with another school or community group? NHGP encourages applicants to apply for a small project; prove how successful and beneficial it has been; and then apply for an extension in a future round of funding.

To give your school the best chance of securing funding please carefully consider the following points before applying:

• do you currently have outdoor teaching facilities - if yes; how well utilised are they?
• seek advice from your Local Biodiversity Officer on how to get the best results out of what you already have - we generally give priority to those schools who have no provision, or those who can prove that their current facilities are well used, and extension would further improve the school both in terms of biodiversity and education
• how would you successfully use the finished project?
• how would you evaluate the success of the project?
• is your school environmentally friendly?
  working with an environmental organisation; for example Eco UNESCO
  or working towards an environmental award - for example Eco schools green flag shows your schools commitment to the environment, and the benefits it can have on learning and personal development
• you are applying for a ‘Natural Heritage’ grant – we will only supply funding for eligible parts of a project

Marsh areas
Ponds
Butterfly gardens
Hedgerows
Wildflower gardens
Bird boxes
Bat boxes

Fencing
Paths
Willow features
Seating

Green houses
Log piles – these do not need to be purchased – they can be naturally created
Statues/outdoor ornaments
Pond filters – these are damaging to wildlife

• all plant and tree species that are introduced as part of the project must be native - research what you plan to use in advance of filling in the application form. You could seek advice about which species are the most appropriate from your Local Biodiversity Officer, Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland, and other environmental organisations. Helpful information and ideas are also available as factsheets in our education sections).
• how will the project be maintained long term? - where will funding come from? - who will be responsible for its upkeep?