​Manor House School, Bookham wins a Wilder Schools Grant

Manor House School has been working with Surrey Wildlife Trust as part of its commitment to making space for nature in the school grounds.

The school became one of Surrey Wildlife Trust's Pilot Schools in September 2021. Lizzie Foster from the Trust has been regularly visiting the school to deliver and advise on conservation activities across the beautiful 17-acre site.

Lizzie first delivered a Rivers Assembly in River's week to the Preps which supported the KS2 curriculum, teaching the pupils about the wildlife that can be found in and near rivers and how to care for this important environment.

As part of Lizzie's work with Manor House School, she helped to put in a bid for £500 from the Surrey Hills Society. Manor House School was granted the full amount. It is a grant that is available to schools across the country who have been inspired to make space for nature in their school grounds.

Pupils have built bird boxes, constructed a pond and undertaken bird surveys as part of RSPB's Big School Birdwatch. They have also focused on creating habitats, with soil survey. They have enjoyed wellbeing walks and planted seeds and plants to create a pollinator friendly wildflower meadow.

Mrs Harman, Senior School Council Lead, commented: "The last two years have shown us the benefits and importance of taking time to appreciate, engage with and look after the environment we live in. In addition to our Lower Prep Forest School, we are incredibly lucky to be working with Surrey Wildlife Trust in both the Prep and Senior School to foster a love of wildlife and encourage our students to reap the benefits of outdoor learning."