An incredible environmental biodiversity oasis is being created at one of Britain’s best eco schools

By Jill Dando News

The 50-feet square area at Worle Community School Academy (WCSA) in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset will be a magnet for wildlife.

It will be full of insect-attracting plants, insect hotels, bird and bat boxes and a vegetable garden with potential trees and a beehive to come.

The area will add to the school’s current crafted wild area which attracts badgers, foxes and hedgehogs.

WCSA has won UK and world awards for its futuristic eco work including electric car chargers, bikes, travel to school changes and communications, and installation of 1,132 solar panels.

They also set up a Climate Justice Revolution (CJR) group and created The Green Gazette magazine.

The academy also finished semi-finalists in the international Global Social Leaders competition involving over 600 teams from 105 countries. It was awarded the prestigious Green Flag for its achievements.

Archie, 14, Student President of the school’s Eco Council and Climate Justice Revolution Club, will lead a team of enthusiastic students on the new project.

Some of the eco-team at WCSA

He has already gained a large amount of equipment for free from the community including tires to use as planters, a tool storage box, holes and lots of seeds.

(If any person or organisation would like to donate more resources for the project they can email Mary mleonard@worle-school.org.uk

Archie said “We have been planning this biodiversity area for sometime and are all very excited to see it come to fruition. There is big enthusiasm to do our part in helping the planet.”

Earlier this year, Archie received a personal letter and signed autograph from TV gardening legend, Alan Titchmarsh for his work.

He has recently been published on the very high profile sustainability podcast: “Sustainable(ish)” – found on the website www.asustainablelife.co.uk.

The academy is part of The Priory Learning Trust which is passionate about helping the community and its civic duty.

Since becoming part of TPLT in 2016, the academy has seen huge campus improvements including a £400,000 refurbished auditorium and sports hall.

The WCSA motto is ‘We Challenge and Support to Achieve’, resulting in students who thrive in all areas.