Protecting wildlife and safeguarding nature are crucial parts of learning at Chilton Primary in Ramsgate.

The ongoing awareness and action project by children and staff at the school has been recognised by a bronze honour at the recent annual Wilder Kent Awards.

Numerous initiatives that run year-round contributed towards the recognition by Kent Wildlife trust that runs the awards.

Chilton’s impact and effectiveness is realised in numerous ways.

These include establishing 'No Mow' zones around school, where grass was allowed to grow to encourage wildlife activities; ensuring learning takes place outside as well as inside school to make the most of its outdoor experience; establishing a range of bird boxes around the site, maintained over winter months ready for nesting come spring; installing minibeast homes around the school; having a space on site where children can grow food.

Other important initiatives include taking part in projects such as the RSPB Big Schools Birdwatch; encouraging children and staff to turn off electrical equipment when not in use; making the most of the local area to support learning with visits to local beaches and nature reserves; and taking part in local litter picks.

Deputy Head of School Hannah Cheshire said: “Our children have a true passion for wildlife and in particular our local environment. Working towards the Wilder Kent award has further focussed their efforts and activities, and recognition by the Trust and its excellent work is a great achievement. It has further strengthened their knowledge of our local environment and their passion for making a change"

Kent Wildlife Trust’s Education Manager Tom White, said: ”Every year we are blown away by the entries we receive. To be given an insight into so many fantastic projects taking place all over the county is a real privilege.

“These projects are creating habitats for wildlife, restoring natural spaces, and working to tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis we all face.

“The awards don’t only celebrate the actions taken for nature and the impact they have, they also celebrate the people involved - the awards ceremony was the perfect celebration of this.”

The ceremony was held at Chapel House Estate, Minster, earlier this month.

The Wilder Kent Awards recognises and rewards the work of schools and community groups. By taking positive actions to restore nature, they are helping to create a

more climate-resilient county and provide a home for wildlife, benefitting the local community and helping tackle global environmental threats.

Chilton Primary is part of the Viking Academy Trust with partner schools Upton Juniors in Broadstairs and Ramsgate Arts Primary.

For more information contact Head of School Alex McAuley on 01843 597695.