Climate and Environment Committee – Schools Grant

Thanks to the £350 grant from Cirencester Town Council, Bronze DofE pupils at Paternoster School have been able to make a positive impact on the environment.

The funding was used to purchase plants, compost, and gardening equipment, enabling students to volunteer their time improving outdoor spaces across the site.

Pupils have worked hard to clear and tidy areas, maintain planting beds, and introduce new plants to make the grounds more attractive and welcoming. They have also attended wood working sessions to make bird boxes for the school and wider school community for their gardens.

At Powell’s School, the grant was used for their raised beds project.

The beds had been broken and unused for several years, so their Eco Warriors consulted pupils on how the funding should be spent. The children were clear that they wanted a space to grow their own plants. The funding paid for compost, plants, and repairs.

Year 3 pupils weeded the beds, while Year 5 pupils spread compost and planted them with some funding being reserved for further planting in September.

The project has also encouraged wider community involvement, with parents repairing the beds, donating plants, and providing a small polytunnel.