New environmental area helps Coppice Valley pupils connect with nature
Posted 7th January 2026
Coppice Valley Primary School has launched a new environmental learning area, a dedicated natural space designed to support pupils in learning about the environment while actively enhancing biodiversity across the school grounds.
The project, made possible through funding from Northern Powergrid and delivered in partnership with contractor Balfour Beatty, has transformed part of the school grounds into a dedicated outdoor learning environment.
The space features wildflower meadows, new tree planting and a range of wildlife habitats, including bug hotels and bird boxes. Cameras have also been installed to allow pupils to observe and track wildlife over time.
Hannah McNamara, Headteacher at Coppice Valley Primary School, said:
“Our children are growing up in a world where climate change is a reality and the pupils at Coppice Valley care really deeply about protecting the planet.
“The space provides teachers with the opportunity to bring inspiring lessons across the curriculum to life in the outdoors. It supports wellbeing as well as education and children learn teamwork, resilience and responsibility in a hands-on way.”
The environmental area supports learning through a structured programme, including bushcraft skills. A bark-chipping pathway has been installed through the meadow, with recycled materials used as part of the wider project.
George Coiley, Sustainability Manager at Northern Powergrid, said:
“Our social impact funding programme is designed to positively support communities where we’re carrying out major investment in the electricity network.
“Coppice Valley School’s biodiversity residential project provided the perfect opportunity for us to support local families and nature at the same time.
“We are proud to have played a part in developing this amazing new facility, providing access to nature, biodiversity education and a truly inclusive residential experience for children from right across Harrogate.”
In addition to benefiting pupils at Coppice Valley, the new outdoor learning hub has been designed to have a wider impact, with plans to open it to surrounding primary schools as part of Coppice Valley Primary School and Red Kite Learning Trust’s commitment to collaboration.
Photos courtesy of Northern Powergrid