act for change: Berwickshire marine reserve

“Berwickshire Marine Reserve worked alongside the National Trust for Scotland at St Abb’s Head to support Coldingham and Cockburnspath Primary Schools to begin the development of Climate Friendly School Gardens. Our aim was to increase biodiversity on school grounds, promote awareness of the importance of this to the pupils and encourage them to take responsibility to their school, and wider, environment. The pupils of both schools conducted surveys as part of the RSPB Big Schools Bird Watc”h and have taken part in Source to Sea litter picks and anti-litter campaigns in their respective villages. The pupils were enthusiastic and engaged and are keen to expand their knowledge. This funding has also allowed us to purchase materials that will allow both schools to further work on ‘rewilding’ their school grounds with the aim of increasing biodiversity. On the advice of NTS rangers we purchased bird nest boxes, specifically chosen to target the Tree Sparrow, of which we have a good number locally but are nationally scarce. We have also provided bug hotels, native bulbs, seeds and compost, as well as identification guides for the wildlife that will be seen in the school grounds. This is part of an ongoing plan to work alongside the school in improving the school grounds for wildlife, supporting with bioblitzes and surveys and a wider appreciation and recognition of biodiversity and the environment. The project has benefited over 100 primary school and nursery age children who attend both Coldingham and Cockburnspath schools, as well as the wider communities by raising awareness and enhancing wild spaces for the community to share.”