Trust schools take part in rewilding initiative

Templenewsam Halton Primary School in Leeds and Rossett School in Harrogate are taking part in the Red Kite Rewilding Initiative, a project led by the Yorkshire Rewilding Network (YRN) in partnership with Red Kite Learning Trust and the National Education Nature Park.

The initiative supports schools to map their existing habitats, identify opportunities for biodiversity enhancement and involve pupils directly in developing more nature-friendly outdoor spaces. Led by Dr Jenny Marks, with support from community engagement specialist Claire Blindell, the project brings together conservation expertise with practical, pupil-centred action.

Dr Jenny Marks, who leads the initiative, said:

“Working with Templenewsam Halton Primary School and Rossett School has shown just how powerful school grounds can be as spaces for nature and learning. By involving pupils directly in habitat mapping and rewilding activities, schools are helping young people to see themselves as part of nature and to understand how their actions can support biodiversity and climate recovery.”

Templenewsam Halton Primary School: discovering nature on our school grounds

At Templenewsam Halton Primary School, pupils were introduced to the initiative through a whole-school National Education Nature Park assembly, which explored wildlife, habitats and the idea that school grounds are living ecosystems. Children across the school engaged enthusiastically, developing an understanding of how small actions can support nature and biodiversity.

Following the assembly, pupils in Years 3–6 took part in hands-on habitat mapping across the school site, identifying grassland and tree habitats and considering how these spaces could be enhanced. This work helped pupils to see their school grounds in a new way and contributed to the school’s ongoing planning for future rewilding activity.

Rossett School: growing habitats for the future

Rossett School began its rewilding journey in 2023, with changes to how parts of the school grounds were managed to better support biodiversity. This included planting new trees and allowing areas of grassland to be left uncut or managed as hay meadows, leading to visible ecological impact on the site.

Pupils from across the school have been involved in planting trees and supporting the development of new habitats. This year, work has focused on the creation of a wildflower meadow alongside further tree planting.

In November, volunteers from YRN headline sponsor ENGIE worked alongside the Red Kite Rewilding team and volunteers to plant around 200 trees and establish a new wildflower area, using low-intervention, nature-friendly approaches.

Supporting learning, wellbeing and biodiversity

Across both schools, the Red Kite Rewilding Initiative places pupil involvement at its heart, helping children and young people to develop ecological understanding, confidence and a sense of ownership over their environment.

This work reflects Red Kite Learning Trust’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, supporting schools to play an active role in nature recovery while providing meaningful real-world learning experiences.

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