Blaenau Gwent schools are working with the council’s Grounds Maintenance and Biodiversity teams to create more wildlife-friendly spaces across the county.
Following the declaration of a Nature Emergency in 2024, the council has reviewed how grassland is managed, including changes to grass-cutting programmes and identifying areas in parks, open spaces and school grounds that can be managed for wildlife.
Councillor Tommy Smith, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood & Environment Services, said: “This project shows how small changes in the way we manage our land can make a real difference for nature, learning and wellbeing. By working with schools, our Grounds Maintenance team and the Biodiversity Team are helping to create spaces where wildlife can thrive and young people can see nature recovery happening in their own communities.”
Schools are encouraged to identify areas that can be left for nature, with support from the Biodiversity Officer. The work is intended to give pupils opportunities to learn outdoors, understand local habitats and see practical action for nature recovery.
While national campaigns such as Plantlife’s “No Mow May” and “Let it Bloom June” help raise awareness, the council says the work promotes a year-round approach to managing land for nature. Longer grass and wildflower areas provide food and shelter for invertebrates and other wildlife, with accessible pathways so school communities can use the spaces safely.
Glyncoed Primary School in Ebbw Vale has created biodiversity areas with the Grounds Maintenance and Biodiversity teams while keeping accessible pathways, so pupils can engage with nature as part of their learning.
Mrs Joanne Weightman, Head Teacher, Glyncoed Primary School, said: “At Glyncoed Primary School, we firmly believe that children learn best when they are actively engaged with nature. We are particularly grateful to Ffion Lewis for her commitment to developing such effective partnerships with Becky Ward and Keep Wales Tidy.
Through this collaborative work, our learners are not only learning about nature recovery but are playing an active role in it. The biodiversity areas across our school grounds provide rich opportunities for exploration, discovery and stewardship, allowing children to see first-hand the positive impact of their efforts. They are now beginning to reap the fruits of their labour, seeing wildlife flourish, habitats thrive and gaining a genuine sense of pride in helping to shape a more sustainable future for their community and county.”
