Devon Pupils Become Citizen Scientists in National Nature Parks Project

Children from Stoke Fleming, Blackawton, and Christow Primary Schools have become citizen scientists through the national education nature parks project, an initiative led by the Natural History Museum in London.

As part of the project, pupils explored their school grounds to identify wildlife habitats and record their findings on the nature parks national database. The data will be used by scientists at the Natural History Museum to help build a clearer picture of how school sites across the country can support spaces for nature.

The project comes at a critical time. England is recognised as one of the most nature depleted countries in the world, and experts agree that simply sustaining what remains is not enough and that regeneration is vital. The national education nature parks initiative aims to empower schools to understand and enhance their natural environments, starting with mapping and monitoring what already exists on their grounds.

Momentum for the project will continue as pupils develop ideas to make their school sites even more nature friendly, taking active roles in designing and implementing initiatives that support biodiversity. Through this, they are not only contributing valuable data to national research but also becoming young guardians of wildlife and champions for environmental regeneration.

Education South West aims for every school in the trust to embark on this nature recovery journey during this academic year, creating a legacy of environmental awareness and stewardship across its school communities.

Tom Pether, Sustainability, Climate and Environment Education Resource Lead at Education South West, said:

“It’s inspiring to see our pupils so engaged with nature and science. By exploring their school grounds and recording their findings, they are contributing real data to a national research project and helping to shape how schools across the country can support biodiversity. Projects like this empower children to see that they can make a real difference, not just locally, but nationally.”

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:

“This is a fantastic example of how education can connect learning with action. Our pupils aren’t just studying the environment, they’re actively helping to protect and restore it. We’re incredibly proud of the enthusiasm shown by our schools and look forward to seeing every Education South West school take part in this vital nature recovery journey.”

Blackawton Pupils Press Ahead with Autumn Apple Day

Pupils and staff at Blackawton Primary School have been celebrating autumn with a day full of community spirit, creativity, and hands-on learning.

The school’s much loved ‘Apple Day’ returned this term, bringing together pupils from across the school to make fresh, delicious apple juice. Families and friends kindly donated apples for the event, ensuring there was plenty of fruit to go around.

The school’s gardening club also joined in the fun, baking mouth watering apple crumbles. Even the school’s compost worms benefited from the festivities, enjoying the leftover apple pulp. 

As the sunny autumn evenings continue, pupils have been busy tidying up the school garden after what has been a bumper year for crops. The school’s fruit and vegetables have flourished, and with the support of the local community,  who have been purchasing produce from the Blackawton Village Shop, the school has been able to reinvest in new equipment and plants.

Funds raised have helped to buy a small classroom stove, apple peelers, cooking ingredients, and bright bedding plants. The school has also planted three new bee-friendly plants to help support vital pollinators in the school garden.

Next on the horizon for the budding young gardeners are Christmas chutneys, which will be available to purchase later this term.

Looking ahead, Blackawton Primary is set to embark on its next big project as part of the National Education Nature Park Programme, which will see pupils mapping biodiversity across the school grounds. Through creativity and collaboration, pupils will design ways to improve the school’s outdoor spaces for both children and wildlife.

Liam Fielding, Headteacher at Blackawton Primary School, said:

“It’s been wonderful to see our pupils so engaged with the world around them, from understanding where food comes from to exploring how small actions can make a big difference to nature. Apple Day has become a real highlight of the year for our school and community.”

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:

“Blackawton Primary is a fantastic example of how learning extends far beyond the classroom. The school’s Apple Day and gardening projects connect children with nature, community and sustainability, all while building valuable life skills. It’s wonderful to see pupils so inspired by hands-on learning and proud of what they’ve achieved together.”