Template User Guide to Enhance Biodiversity and Promote Ecology
Contents
1. The Benefits Good option for schools with limited space as fruit trees can be trained to grow across walls and fences Seasonal learning resource fruit trees blossom in spring and produce fruit in late autumn e Rich in biodiversity Orchards support a wide range of insects bees and birds and Wr ideal habitat to incorporate wildflowers and deadwood to further diversify the area Te 2 sj Se n oelect and plant the trees Bare rooted trees should be planted from Tam Study T ea December to March when they are not in leaf but not during periods of frost i eo M Containerised trees can be planted at any time Plan what you want to achieve e g size space arrangements type of fruit tree Choose the location a sheltered sunny south or southwest facing area is better for fruit development and design the layout include access paths seating areas Clear the area of unwanted materials and debris bramble nettle thistle and other weed species must be controlled by regular mowing hand pulling or digging Herbicides should be used sparingly Manage your grassland For grass at the tree base maintain sward height between 5 and 15cm to both aid growth of the fruit tree and allow access 4 Rough grass on the edges of the orchard can be left unmown or managed to y P provide a wildflower area to attract bumblebees and insects NN fu BAE Ti2. re de E February Sow early peas under cloches Winter visitors such as the Prune and or shape bush and tree fruits in Late Winter March Early Spring April Mid Spring May Late Spring June Early Summer otart to sow early vegetable crops outside e g beetroot parsnip turnips and spinach Complete sowing of vegetables e g onion sets main crop potatoes and winter cabbages and flower seeds e g marigolds parsley and comfrey Sow salad radishes lettuce rocket courgettes and runner beans French beans and salad crops plant out leeks Fieldfare feeding on apples and berries Garden birds feeding and preparing to breed Look out for frogs and toads returning to the pond to spawn Tits blue great or coal nesting in nest boxes near the orchard and allotments Watch nesting tits feeding their young Look out for bees and hover flies starting to pollinate Look out for butterflies bees and an array of insects allotments and orchard before their buds start to burst Continue to dig allotment beds If beds dug over and weed free mark out ready for sowing seeds Spread further compost Leave self sown annuals e g marigolds and alyssum to grow and flower among food crops where they will attract beneficial insects Harvest purple sprouting Hoe regularly to kill seedling weeds growing between vegetables Treat slugs with eco friendly slug pellets
3. Template User Guide to Enhance Biodiversity and Promote Ecology in Sustainable Schools The Scottish Government Riaghaltas na h Alba E TU S Nd la rS S de i P m a en How does this guide work This guide sets out a step by step and promotion of ecology in the external grounds of sustainable schools from early planning of the school build the design and Gold sustainability award Building Standards Labelling System introduced as part of Section 7 Sustainability Non Domestic Technical Handbook see Page 3 through to operation and enjoyment of the school by the school community The guide aims to provide a process for the developer to prepare an ecological report and create a Bespoke Biodiversity User Guide Step 1 and 2 required through the Silver and Gold sustainability level and provide practical advice and supporting information for schools to continue to AU develop their outdoor space for n biodiversity Step 3 4 and 5 The six steps of this guide are shown in sif Figure 1 E ji ut n Fi i aq i i I um 1 I del f m 1 E Ig A M t A j iJ PN Te DN e MUN S process for enhancement of biodiversity construction and achieving the Silver or RS pt A UNA Step 1 Ecological Report including Site Review Step 2 Bespo
4. F Abie i F 2 Possil Park Concrete Garden Ar le SS Maintain your orchard and watch it produce a variety of fruit whilst encouraging Glasgow lh uS Look out for e Honey bees e Bumble bees e Garden birds e Winter visiting birds e Hedgehogs e Bats e Mosses and lichens Do Choose a variety of orchard species Incorporate wildflowers and other environmental features which attract insects Attracting insects will help to pollinate your orchard e Plant shrubs at the perimeters Shrubs that produce berries in the autumn and winter will attract birds to your orchard He Allotments and Seasonal intone lim 5 SE y ay ed gx f tas B TERN hie M RANT et ENS vC ys z F e a p x3 b Ja VAT s a ie MIN T UT e D p d v rs Ple ard a 77 Allotments Seasonal Checklist January June LE TA D o Vegetables and flowers Biodiversity What to look out Maintenance tasks plant for i Harvest any parsnips and cabbage family Dig over beds and add manure and compost if not done in December Keep bird feeding station topped up January Winter visitors such as the Mid Waxwing feeding on shrub Winter berries b 1 TH E LY
5. Monitor progress on your actions and projects Have you fully achieved what you expected and what still needs to be done to deliver your objectives and vision Think about e When did we expect it be done e much has been done to date e Has an increase in species or numbers of a species been observed e What habitat has been created or enhanced Purpose To measure whether your objectives are being achieved and how well the school is progressing towards delivering its vision Develop a system to monitor the schools contribution to enhanced biodiversity This might include identifying and counting species taking photographs measuring growth etc Involve the entire school community to encourage ownership of your outdoor space and a shared sense of achievement PW S M Bu pas s ie gt Reviewing and Reporting Progress on Biodiversity Actions Reviewing progress is all about checking on the following Is the project continuing to meet its biodiversity objectives and targets Are the resources and timescales still realistic Purpose e make sure that no one loses sight of the overall vision and objectives and to feedback progress on enhancing biodiversity To ensure the continued enhancement of biodiversity To communicate on progress to other interested parties and to celebrate any successes Do we all have a shared understanding of
6. strong sunlight and are at sufficient height so not to be disturbed Don i 4 Maintain boxes need little maintenance but do need checked once Disturb the bird box during the breeding bird i EE a year for any required repairs and cleaned annually Maintenance should take place outside of the breeding bird season he Went E The Benefits e Plant diversity which Case Study Your research on perennials and annuals and a will i Braidburn Valley Park seed mixes which are appropriate to your localit o provides foraging habitat PETER y y hz Edinburgh e Some maintenance Mow only once or twice a year weed any unwanted plants by hand and compost any cuttings Have fun watching colour emerge in spring and the wildlife that is attracted to your area Don t e Don t use weedkiller as this will kill the flowers you want to encourage e Wildflower meadows don t require any additional watering or feeding for birds and mammals e Flowering species bring colour and interest to the outdoor space e resource for education and play including nature studies species identification art and creative learning Choose the area for your wildflower meadow Think about the soil type native wildflower plants colonise better on nutrient poor soil types amount of sunlight shade and the
7. damselflies e Water bugs and beetles e Frogs and toads frog spawn and tadpoles in the resources hoverflies and other insects spring Provide an ecological niche for e Plant native rush sedge and other grass Newts aquatic species species e Waterfowl e g mallard Encourage a variety of bird 7 Try to avoid deep stagnant areas of water herons and a variety of amphibian and insect species small bird species Ta Plan what you want to achieve The Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems Case Study SUDS pond is likely to be in place on completion of the school build Think about how the design of the pond can be enhanced to support biodiversity Robinswood Primary School Gloucestershire Design the landscape around your pond to achieve complimentary habitats such as patches of open water reed swamp marsh fen and meadow Access to a SUDS pond is an important consideration SUDS provides a valuable recreation and education source allowing users to develop their understanding of conservation and sustainable design Swales and other open water features may include small walkways bridges or stepping stones LAM 7 y A yy VOI P 25 M xs s 2 j Ay A qs s 2 ARA 5 rip If perimeter fencing for safety reasons forms part of the design of the pond planting can be used to enhance or as an alternative to these features and create
8. e Orchards e Natural habitats or woodlands Naturally defined perimeters biodiversity such as placing bird boxes within your woodland or a wildflower meadow alongside your naturally defined perimeters Sustainable Urban Drainage X What information and resources are needed to deliver it making Systems use of local experts knowledge and advice e Green roofs or living walls e Bird boxes y Timetable and resources including maintenance calendar Think e Wildflower meadows of ways in which the school community can be involved in particular out of term time For each environmental feature think Opportunities for funding and support about the following Possible barriers and solutions e g solutions for health and safety How features will contribute to increased opportunities for learning and play The Benefits Sourcing food locally reduces food miles e Promotes a balanced healthy lifestyle i Growing organically helps the local environment and benefits your health e Appropriately designed allotments boost biodiversity e g bees insects birds and amphibians Learning about biological pest control v When clear of weeds the soil can be broken up and organic matter added by digging or rotovating or while building raised beds Outfit the plot with tools compost bins and other useful items Do Mix up your plots for variety e Plant flowers that attract bees hover flies and other b
9. Make as much garden compost as possible from garden waste Keep fruit bushes well watered Allotments rciarasee Seasonal Me Xm VOIE hae gon MORI afi a V eal i nyi g E i 4 us P gt r E d t 4 A F n w a ta i E i t v LL F e d a xm F Tise Allotments and Orchards Seasonal A Checklist July December July Mid summer August Late Summer September Early Autumn October Mid Autumn November Late Autumn December Early Winter Vegetables flowers plant Continue with salad crops Sow early winter lettuces and spring cabbages Broad beans and spring cabbages Plant out cabbages Early peas under cloches Plant fruit bushes such as blackcurrant Continue to plant any fruit bushes What to look out for More butterflies dragon flies swifts and swallows flying over the garden Insects of all sorts with more butterflies and bees Visiting the later flowering plants Shrubs forming berries Summer migrants like the swallow leaving Birds and animals like the hedgehog feeding on windfall fruit Winter migrants arriving such as fieldfares redwings and waxwings Look out for birds visiting the bird feeding station Tits finches robins and more should all pay a visit Maintenance tasks Harvest strawberries and salad crops Continue active weeding and thin out any vegeta
10. a more visually appealing space e g use of bullrush and reedmace Agree any planting proposals with those who will be maintaining the SUDS pond select the planting material that is typical of the habitat you are creating e g marsh fen PASS P m TU E 4 j k MAF BEES 7j 8 4 4 6 Green Roofs and Living Walls T P P d 5 Look out for e Insects e Amphibians e g frogs and toads in the weiter areas Visiting bird life The Benefits Provide natural surfaces for controlling surface water runoff Help to insulate and regulate temperature in internal Space and contribute to improved air quality e Attract insects and provide good feeding and nesting habitat for birds e Improves the visual appearance of your building Good for increasing biodiversity potential for schools which have limited outdoor space EMIT accu 4 A green roof or living wall if incorporated into the school building design would be installed during construction of the school Check A series of green roofs designed which specialist provider is involved in its installation for biodiversity Native and non native wild flowers were planted v There would be opportunity during the installation to have some to help support the schools bee c input into the variety of plant species to be used Consider what is hive an
11. landscape around the school where enhanced biodiversity provides opportunities for learning Combine any individual visions into a collective vision for the school P EN EA e y P EE tep3 3 2 Objectives against the aspirations of the school for biodiversity achievable and motivating teaching and play Think about how your place within the school Example Objectives Raise awareness of the value of biodiversity and ecology within the school and wider community School Use your vision to develop a series of objectives which set out the main steps needed to deliver Good objectives are relevant to the vision and local circumstances are clear action focused Your objectives could deliver multiple benefits not only for enhanced biodiversity but for enhanced objectives tie in with other pieces of work taking Increase the recreational value of the outdoor space Develop and enhance suitable habitat for species important to the Vi k CT SiO Objectives and a Biodiversity Objectives Checklist v Break your vision down into manageable elements Use the findings of the ecological report see Step 1 and any further environmental information you have gathered v Collectively set objectives that will deliver actions on the ground Involve the school community in this process your objectives mu
12. s website or Local Biodiversity Officer are useful sources of information The following Information Sheets in this Guide can be The Benefits H te 43 Enhancement of habitats which are important in your locality woodland wetland meadow or moorland bog Help to support a variety of plant and animal species which are important to your local environment Natural habitats particularly established habitats provide a range of ecosystem E services They provides us with clean air provide shelter and shade i e woodland manage water supplies i e Wetlands SUDS etc Seasonal learning resource Natural habitats change throughout the seasons and provide an opportunity to learn more about your local environment rur Fr referred to for tips and guidance on developing natural E Cup d OW re habitats Yu Sees nl T ue e Ix Information Sheet 4 3 Native Woodland Area ye ueque Sle e Information Sheet 4 4 Naturally Defined Perimeters iva i ya monte i Information Sheet 4 5 Sustainable Urban Drainage idis Vil UA NU an Systems SUDS EDU NE Se ean MAIN Information Sheet 4 8 Wildflower Meadow Woodland Areas amp Nativ ME anis n r Lc LT _ The Benefits e Woodlands support a variety of species plants insects birds and mammals Provide es
13. bles too close together Harvest raspberries salad crops keep on top of weeding Water if necessary Harvest black and red currants French and runner beans courgettes and more salad Keep on top of weeding and pest control Harvest apples pears plums and any other remaining fruit Store excess fruit in a cool place Lift and dry main crop potatoes Continue weeding Shred woody and non thorny prunings and other tough stems and use them as a mulch around shrubs fruit trees and as cover for paths Start feeding birds when their natural food sources such as shrub berries run low tu r ats Overview The Silver or Gold levels for sustainability require the developer of the school to create e Anatural habitat area used to support native flora and fauna species OR e Native woodland area used for species known to attract or benefit local wildlife see Page 3 The chosen type of natural habitat to be established in the school grounds should be appropriate to the locality of the school and be informed by the outputs of the ecological report see Page 4 Within your local area important habitat may include woodland wetland or marshy grassland wildflower meadows or grassland e g upland grassland characterised by species such as common heather bell heather and blaeberry Your natural habitat should reflect what is important to your locality Your Local Biodiversity Action Plan see your local Council
14. d log piles installed to ases important in the local environment Shade or sun species should encourage invertebrates A j be used as appropriate and species which flower at various times good example of establishing a TU of year to enhance the visual appearance of the feature The green roof on an existing Ax gt specialist provider assigned during the construction of the school structure cT a should design the wall or roof to accommodate the plants you have in mind and incorporate other features for biodiversity if required Link Ti 22 e g log piles insect hotel and bird nest boxes http livingroofs org 201010052 NS v Agree design with installer and commission 31 single articles on green Bae D roofs king alfred school green Cum es Maintenance is often provided by the specialist provider There roof htm a dis may be some tasks which can be undertaken by the teachers and Ex p putes Consult with your ESSEN as i gn OMEN Cx E ux 4 E Zr dois Ee s x AN UM NUN eoi Lo adt aa E LOW dV oa Lo LAS x A4 xe The Benefits Lookoutfor DS Case Study i e Hare Oo Attracting birds to your outdoor space E is way to jm ae migrants and E National Nest Box Week British Trust for and to recognise seasonal changes resident m A i Ornithology migration courtship and ne
15. diversity would have been provided to the school through the developers bespoke Biodiversity User Guide see Step 2 Revisit this vision and if required tailor it to the aspirations of the school community Your vision should aim to create an inspirational picture of how the natural environment around the school might look The vision should be ambitious but not committing to the impossible inspirational and worth working towards appropriate relevant to the local school environment and based on the sustainability award Silver or Gold level provided at completion of construction Biodiversity Vision Checklist v Explore the elements of biodiversity that s important in your locality and that the school community most values about its immediate area and environment See your Local Biodiversity Action Plan for the habitats and species that are important to your local area Information can be built on by taking pictures doing your research online and may involve visits to neighbouring habitats and important nature sites in your locality Use your bespoke Biodiversity User Guide to identify the challenges and opportunities going forward Seek support and knowledge from local experts i e Local Biodiversity Officer Local Outdoor Learning Officer Local Biodiversity Action Plan Scottish Natural Heritage Forestry Commission Scotland RSPB Woodland Trust Grounds for Learning etc see Page 25 Envisage a future
16. ealth and safety concerns do not create sterile spaces for play and that lack challenge and prevent young people from expanding their learning and abilities For more information see following link http www hse gov uk entertainment childrens play july 2012 pdf Grounds for Learning Berlin Natural Play Grounds for Learning resources include a series of case studies in outdoor design documenting the transformation of play spaces in schools and public parks in Berlin Germany There are nine case study documents which focus on different themes that were important factors in the spaces success including Water Play Machines Managing Risk and Challenge Sand Nature with a Capital N Choice Shade and Seating Variety and Texture e Topography Useful Information Sources Grounds for Learning Royal Society for the Protection of Birds RSPB Grounds Learning NATURAL Scottish Natural Heritage SNH dw ee Eco Schools Scotland HERITAGE E Sch sol 5 Other resources support Forestry Commission Scotland Local Biodiversity Action Plan Coimisean na Coilltearachd Alba e Local Biological Environmental Records Centre e Local Biodiversity Officer Countryside Ranger
17. eneficial insects for pollination e Plant shrubs at the perimeter that produce berries in the autumn and winter to attract birds Plan what you want to achieve and design your layout accordingly e g size key elements i e raised beds gardening tools greenhouse poly tunnels types of growing beds plant species arrangement of plots access paths seating areas Clear the plot of unwanted materials and debris Aim to clear in early spring in time for early planting and sowing Vegetation can be buried as green manure after removing the roots of perennial weeds 4 otart to create vegetable plots that have areas of biodiversity interest e g flower beds or a wildflower meadow nearby to attract insects lt Maintain your plots During the summer holidays keep task board updated and those who come to tend the allotment during the summer can be rewarded by taking a share of produce home 2 gy TI 1 Case Study Rothesay School Garden Look out for e Honey bees e Bumble bees e Hover flies e Butterflies e Garden birds e Frogs and toads e Hedgehogs Voles and shrews Te E FoU P m E a a 3 uen at I 7 Gum tw UG 7 b T4 pe 6 FFE P j 1 C 4 y Fe nt is fes m 2250 br P B a x 76 n n 1 Any k U Y 4 F D Srv 7 NE
18. hydrology of your site Also think about access and suitability of your location for interactions with other uses of the outdoor space Source seed mix Use a seed mix which contains species of local provenance and that support insects and birds which are typical of your locality Soil conditions and hydrology at your chosen site also informs what seed mix is appropriate for you Think IAN Look out for also about colour species later or early flowering species 205 5 Honey bees 9 Bumble bees Your meadow ground preparation management and cutting regime will depend on Butterflies whether you are diversifying an existing grassy area or preparing soil and starting from m Farmland and scratch Royal Horticultural Society website provides some useful tips Wildflower A y um wayside birds Meadow Establishment QU oer dua ans Link http rhs org ES REN 436 e dm YU La J Pine ne P Ec is L Pa if w 2 L WT 1 F y n n p F 2 2 i d Lt 1 v LI p w i i t Ee xd e v ub What to look out for M r Biodiversity Action Plan see our local Council website ildliteWatch org 770 9 d CT Habitats Badger Bats Birds Otter Red Squirrel Monitoring Progress on Biodiversity Actions
19. ke Biodiversity User Guide Step 3 School Vision and Objectives Step 6 Reviewing and Reporting Progress Step 4 Action to Enhance Biodiversity Step 5 Measuring and Monitoring Progress Figure 1 Six Stage Overview of the User Guide ae MS SUR UV T 1 Es Biodiversity or biological diversity is the variety of all living things on our planet from wildflowers and insects to mammals reptiles trees and birds It applies to the habitats in which these living things are to be found woodlands upland moorland meadows and wetlands as well as man made places such as fields parks and canals All of this forms the life support system for our planet Biodiversity serves us in many ways through what is known as ecosystem services providing food medicine and other materials a clean and healthy environment colour and beauty to our surroundings healthy living and wellbeing and an important part of our art culture and tradition Biodiversity is a measure of sustainable development helping us to gauge how we meet our needs today without impacting on the quality of life for our children and the needs of future generations O iiis d n Ere etae a i EE Building Standards Sustainability Labellinc Section 7 Sustainability Scottish Building S
20. ng the Bespoke Biodiversity User Guide The Silver or Gold levels for sustainability require the developer of the school to use key information in Step 1 the ecological report and assigned areas of land to produce a bespoke Biodiversity User Guide specific to the School This Guide is to be completed before building completion see Figure 2 The guide should e set the scene for the school site using the key findings of the ecological report e include a biodiversity vision which reflects the level of biodiversity the new school build will aim for Silver or Gold e a plan of the assigned areas of land for biodiversity in the external space of the school and e guidance and recommendations as to how the school community can take what has been provided to them by the developer to further enhance the external space of their school for biodiversity Example Biodiversity Vision A biodiversity rich external environment which provides a sustainable resource for recreation and learning and promotes an inclusive and engaging environment for the school and the wider community oee Our School Biodiversity Guide This guide serves as an example bespoke biodiversity user guide of a hypothetical school which can be used by the developer as a basis for developing their bespoke Biodiversity User Guide Our School Biodiversity 3 1 Vision What is a VISION A vision for bio
21. progress Do we need any additional funding to help deliver our targets Do we have useful biodiversity information and data i e species sighting that can be reported back to Checklist v Choose a way of reporting that suits you and your school whether through classroom activities school assemblies school newsletters blogs etc local biological or environmental records centres TRER t E T 9 x VEU amp i m ij in LA i m ri be t a Ww amp J 4 La T aa 1 J i 1 I op il nl meu _ i v Feed back to the school community and all those involved Celebrate your achievements You may wish to organise an event such as a harvest day for your allotment or a bird watching afternoon in the woodland SEAN 13 Nis A A F n u rx TE Earth Resources and Sustainability 457 Caring for the Environment Pa Exploring and Appreciating Photographic te b f CACEN ias P Social Bespoke Biodiversity Studies User Guide ed Le pret Reviewing and Communicating 7 Reporting Progress Results Plant and Animal Interactions and Survival School Vision and Objectives gt Monitoring Progress Planet i ga Biodiversity ae VW X Distribution x ELI ia A SVO BS Investigations Y UM ur EE un ga oir e S
22. r m EH 4 d 0 f x boundary of the school or a boundary to provide separation between x taf Case Study areas Spire Infants School Derbyshire ne v Consider a combination of habitats The biodiversity potential can be maximised by using a variety of different features I e woodland shrubs hedgerow wildlife corridor and wildflower grassland EAM What habitats are present in the wider environment Can the school 4 grounds be enhanced to support or extend those habitats If so choose VC das the species you wish to plant accordingly for instance if acid grassland 7 and upland habitat is important in your locality chose species such as ae common heather bell heather and blaeberry i ov Implement Use a variety of native plant species where possible a 3 ijj Establish any woodland hedgerows and grassy meadow areas Thin AM T out and maintain woodland and shrub to allow a semi natural tree and hedgerow mix to develop m Pi 7 h b 4 dn a Ay rs al b i The Benefits Provide natural systems for controlling surface water and reducing the risk of flooding e Help to naturalise outdoor spaces Provide variety for learning Do Create shallow marginal areas for plants Create shallow areas which encourages access for education e Plant native pond plant species e Plant wet meadow flowers that attract bees Look out for Insects e g dragonflies
23. r the school where decisions are made as to which level for sustainability the school wishes Design to aspire to Silver or Gold Development lt is a key stage since it will provide the information ecological report and assigned areas of land for biodiversity which can inform the development of the Schools external spaces and bespoke Biodiversity User Guide Step 2 The guide will enable the school users and community to develop features such as allotments orchards naturally defined perimeters natural habitats and woodlands sustainable urban drainage systems and green roofs or living walls Planning Permission Building Warrant Application and Construction Completion Silver or Gold The ecological report should include but not be restricted to Sustainability Award e Site location Soil conditions flora and fauna typical of the site Handover of Building e geological features and to School Community e any features which are to be protected e g trees shrubs geological features wetland areas Deliver An example process of collecting the key information to be Biodiversity used to develop the bespoke Biodiversity User Guide is Improvements illustrated in Figure 2 Figure 2 Preparing the School for Biodiversity E 9 9175 7577 a s P Amts MS 5 dee ut 2 w aud 2C i i ks Ld Developi
24. se local advice on seed sources planting depth spacing use of stakes tree guards and mulching mats DEW NS 0 4555 Establish any shrubs and meadow areas di As your woodland matures thin out and maintain the wooded areas to allow a v 7 9 semi natural tree and shrub mix to cm ut pol abus ucc M o Bs A d 7 4 E ria 4 qe i dq eee r Eer wt TL al pe Os rnm aa 1 JA Look out for Bees bumble and honey and other insects e Garden birds and winter The Benefits Provide natural green corridors along which insect and animal species can pass e Promote biodiversity around the perimeters of Consider a mix of hedgerow trees and shrubs Plant native tree and shrub species species poor habitats such as amenity where possible visiting birds grassland i e habitats which support few plant e Plant hedgerow flowers that attract Hedgehogs 3 or animal species insects Beats i provide cover for larger mammals such as e Plant shrubs that produce berries in fae Badgers v badger roe deer and squirrels the autumn and winter to attract birds Foxes e be used in addition to or alternate to Voles and shrews harder features such as fences and walls to create a boundary which is visually appealing but also provides privacy security and safety p e LOU v Plan what you want to achieve e g a perimeter around the oute
25. sential ecosystem services such as oxygen production absorb CO provide shelter and shade and manage water supply Visual amenity e g screening and shade create setting and backdrop and their height and varied composition can frame views and create corridors Seasonal learning resource Broadleaved species n change throughout the season producing buds in spring seed in late autumn and drop their leaves in autumn winter M P e f i m XD PEG 2 E F us 1 Fr E Ps e Case Study Checklist WE 1 McLean Primary School Fife Plan what you want to achieve You may wish to create new woodland from dM WWF Bright Sparks Awards saplings whips or plan to enhance an area of existing woodland Choose your 54 Tm location you may wish to provide shelter or shade for a particular area A suitable Ls LA location for your woodland will depend on the ground conditions and the tree 7 i d t species which can grow well in your locality seek local advice if necessary eus e p E Design the layout to include any access or paths and to blend in with the mv can TE ea qc umo surrounding area Choose your tree species think about how high your trees sfaking ead in designing a Br m ipd might grow and the structure of your woodland once it matures planting a mini E U
26. st be biodiversity focused but also reflect the wants and needs of your school community Objectives should not only aim to enhance biodiversity but also develop the outdoor space for education and play Make sure there are resources available and realistic timescales for achieving your objectives Encourage the use of outdoor space as a teaching resource Create outdoor areas which promote a range of wildlife species including butterflies birds and red squirrel local area lt 1 2 TA p LE J 1 a E t a pc LE 18 2 Z s e ys t t kx p AF ie gun P m m zij 4 a we i pt Lh V Y p Ws NM bi Ew v k Step 4 to Enhance Biodiversity _ Introduction The following pages provide information sheets on how to create and maintain environmental features for enhancing biodiversity in the IE Biodiversity Actions Checklist X Who will be responsible What are the skills needed to deliver and maintain it Can the school community be involved and can events and activities be planned to create ownership outdoor space of your school y the environmental feature be made relevant to your locality I e to attract particular bird or insect species or to enhance They include habitats important to your local environment Allotments y combination of features can provide enhanced benefits for
27. sting wintering behaviour pun species e Providing a place for birds to feed j Breeding and nest and breed is important for nesting conservation particularly in urban behaviour from March to environments e Birds are effective pollinators and contribute to pest control and so help support other features of your outdoor space such as orchards and wildflower meadows June Le 4 EN Jess Plan what you want to achieve Where will your bird boxes be located ma woodland a perimeter boundary etc how many bird boxes and what gt bird species you would like to attract ee Do d Clean your bird boxes annually It is best to wait until the autumn to do this so not to disrupt any late breeding e Repair any damaged boxes It is important v Source your bird boxes Construct this can be a fun day for various age that your bird boxes are dry and secure j groups or source from a range of suppliers The British Trust for Observe any activity from afar using Ornithology BTO recommend specific types of bird box and construction binoculars and bird identification guides methods for various types of species Link http www bto org volunteer Use bird boxes appropriate for the species surveys nrs publications bto nestbox guide you 250 EEN aes 4 Install Ensure the bird boxes are sheltered from prevailing wind rain small Ih YOUR ISN to
28. tandards Non Domestic Guidance Sustainability Aspect Biodiversity Award Level Bronze Bronze Sustainability Award Level does not include any requirements for biodiversity Silver a Allotment in an area of at least 5 of the building footprint containing enclosure for storage maintenance 2 composting bins 160 litres 1 water butt with a minimum capacity of 200 litres for outdoor use and a dedicated green house space for the purpose of growing fruit vegetables and herbaceous plants 6m b Natural Boundary 25 length of the site boundary that is not part of the building elevation to be defined augmented by planting or natural features c Natural habitat or native woodland area 15 of the overall site area d A bespoke biodiversity strategy document specific to the school for use by pupils teachers and the wider community Gold a Allotment provided as for Silver b Natural Boundary 5096 length of the site boundary that is not part of the building elevation to be defined augmented by planting or natural features e g attenuation ponds woodland natural habitats and allotments c Natural habitat or native woodland area 3096 of the overall site area d Biodiversity strategy document provided as for Silver Site Selection and Feasibility Studies Preparation of the Ecological Report otep 1 of preparing the guide will generally take place during the planning application stage fo
29. urveys and Gathering Information 4 0 Nature Grounds for Learning Grounds for Learning s approach is to make use of natural features and materials to create a wide range of non prescriptive natural learning and play opportunities With the aim of creating an environment which allows young people to exercise their imaginations and develop their own ideas Young people are then allowed to make their own decisions on managing risk Grounds for Learning can arrange visit days and bus tours for head teachers and teaching staff to visit schools where natural play has been championed Sharing best practice and ideas is the first step to creating a vision for your school and to inspire ideas and to see what is achievable Health and Safety Executive Useful links Short feature film on Natural Play in Schools http www youtube com watch v pot8EhKUdl amp feature player_profilepa ge t s Resources Search Engine http www Itl org uk reso urces index php for school case studies information on seminars and training events HSE s statement on Children s Play and Leisure Promoting a Balanced Approach September 2012 recognises the benefits of allowing young people to have challenging play opportunities and to supports the provision of play for all young people in a variety of environments HSE want to make sure that misunderstandings about the needs for controlling significant risk and mistaken h
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