Oswestry School Prep is celebrating after receiving Gold awards in both the School Project and Sunflower Competition categories at this year’s Oswestry in Bloom Awards.
The School Project Award recognises an ongoing environmental project at the Prep School, where pupils have been working together through the school’s Sustainability Council to create an eco garden designed to support local wildlife and encourage biodiversity.
The project has transformed an area of the school grounds into a welcoming space for nature, with pupils involved in planting, growing and creating habitats for wildlife.
The pupils have already seen the impact of their work, with the garden attracting a variety of wildlife and an abundance of mini beasts making their home among the plants. The project has provided a practical way for pupils to learn about sustainability and biodiversity while taking action to improve the environment around them.
Fiona Barker, Teaching Assistant and Sustainability Council Lead at Oswestry School Prep, said:
“The children have put so much time, care and enthusiasm into creating our eco garden, so it has been incredibly rewarding for them to see the wildlife making use of the spaces they have created. Our bee corridor is attracting lots of pollinators, we have had birds nesting safely, and the children have discovered all sorts of insects living amongst the plants. Seeing the garden come to life has really brought their learning about sustainability and biodiversity to life.
“We are so grateful for the support and input from Oswestry in Bloom. They have been brilliant throughout the project, encouraging the children and helping us to develop the garden. It is fantastic to see their efforts recognised with a Gold award.”
The children also received a Gold award in the Sunflower Competition, following the pupils’ efforts to grow and care for their sunflowers. The sunflowers were later moved from the school to Cae Glas Park, where they continued to grow and bring colour to one of Oswestry’s much loved public green spaces, extending the pupils’ contribution into the wider community.
Head of Oswestry School Prep, Claire Lyons, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to receive Gold in both categories. The eco garden is a wonderful example of our pupils taking an idea and turning it into something that has a real impact on the environment around them. They have learnt so much through getting involved, from understanding the importance of pollinators and biodiversity to seeing how small changes can create valuable habitats for wildlife.”
The awards are a wonderful recognition of the pupils’ enthusiasm, creativity and commitment to caring for their environment, while highlighting the important role schools can play in supporting local biodiversity and the wider community.
Oswestry School Prep would like to thank Oswestry in Bloom for recognising the pupils’ work and for all that the organisation does to bring colour, pride and community spirit to Oswestry.
