Coates Primary School has been awarded a £10,000 Awards for All grant from the Big Lottery to develop a vibrant community wildlife and outdoor area in their school’s grounds.

They will be working with the amphibian and reptile conservation charity, Froglife, to complete the works which will include a wildlife pond complete with dipping platform, homes for wildlife, a log circle and a seating area for study for the local school and preschool children. A quiet area for the Silver Lining Club and other visitors to sit is also set to be created.

The school’s Head teacher, Mrs Lindsey Boucher said: “We’re hugely grateful to the Big Lottery for awarding us this grant so that we can create this community resource. Our school wildlife area is an important part of our school site.

Over recent years this area, although rich in wildlife, has become overgrown in places and needs redesigning to meet the needs of everyone.” Following consultation the children, parents and staff agreed with the idea of creating a wildlife area that people of all ages could enjoy.

‘Coates Wildlife in Action’ was developed to enhance the valuable habitats for wildlife and raising awareness among the school and local community about amphibians and reptiles and conservation efforts to protect them.

Froglife will be delivering the year long project through their Leapfrog Schools Programme which offer schools a range of accessible and inclusive options to help them learn more about amphibians and reptiles. The project started last week with members of the school, parents, Governors and the local Rotary Club all working with Froglife to start clearing the existing site ready for the redesign to begin.

Froglife’s Ecologist, Katie Rowberry, said: “We are delighted to be working with Coates School on this project and have been impressed by their enthusiasm and commitment.”

Anyone from the local community wishing to get involved in the project please contact Marion Seaton, School Business Manager at Coates Primary School on 01733 840527.