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IntroductionShelley High School, in the Kirklees District, Huddersfield, has always had an interest in the wildlife potential of its grounds. A biology 'dipping pond' was created in 1993 to replace an existing pond which was due to be burried under a school extension, and a commendation award was recieved from SCOSPA (Standing Conference of South Pennine Authorities) for this project in 1994. Many rare newts were rescued from the original pond, and now successfully breed in their new habitat. The area around the pond was also landscaped to benefit nature conservation, providing habitat for various species. In December 1994, planting of a community copse commenced. The aim was to plant more than 2,500 trees and hedgerow shrubs, the money for which was donated by local groups, businesses and individuals. This project was set in motion by the then head of environmental education, Dianne Horn, and planting schemes have continued around the grounds every year. The school won a grant of £8,000 from the Barclays' Bank New Future's Initiative, which enabled the appointment of Catherine Pipkin as Environment Warden in September 1995. She was later supported by Terry Sigsworth, as part of his degree placement year with Kirklees Countryside Unit. |
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Most work was centred on the demonstration wildlife garden, which is now well established. It was officially opened on the 4th July 1996. This was the Barclays' New Future's Scheme mid - point evaluation day, and was attended by various sponsers, the media, adult and pupil volunteers, environmental education advisors and others. The garden was originally a bare area of grass, but currently has many features. These include a mixed hedge, small meadow areas, log piles in sunny and shady areas, woodland edge habitat, a small pond and wet meadow, an insect garden, a nettle patch and wild area for butterflies and other invertebrates, compost heaps etc. More details will be posted soon - watch this space! A tree nursery was established, growing whips. Various tree seeds have been planted, of which oak and horse chestnut have been most successful. These tree beds often have to be weeded, as does the rest of the wildlife garden. Paths have been made, the main ones being concrete to allow wheelchair access to the garden. A path of crushed stone was constructed by pupils (see photo below), which weaves through the shrub bed, and slab paths were made around the tree nursery, allowing easy access for weeding. Shrubs and herbs have been planted to attract wildlife, providing food, habitat and also colour (photos coming soon). |
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A Natural History Trail has been created around the school grounds, which takes in various habitats, such as small woodland, the seasonal pond area and boardwalk created in 1996, two other ponds, newly planted woodland areas, new hedges, a laid hedge and a hedge left wild, etc. The trail is intended as an environmental resource for other local schools and the wider community, as well as the pupils at Shelley High. Details of the trail can be found by following the link at the bottom of this page. Unfortunately the school ran out of funding for the environment warden post, so consequently the project went downhill. SHEP is currently undergoing a revival due to renewed interest within school (a big thankyou to Mrs. Bradford, and everyone else who contributes!), and the availability of Terry Sigsworth to co-ordinate activities. |
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Pupils enjoy working for the SHEP project as they 'have a laugh' socially whilst learning new practical skills, and are encouraged to express their ideas, building up a sense of ownership and pride. Watch out for articles appearing here written by pupil volunteers, as well as artwork and photos - they will take over the management of this part of the site in January 2000. A a new sign for the wildlife garden has recently been designed by pupil volunteers, as well as a new logo for SHEP which appears at the top of this page. There are many future opportunities for projects within the school grounds, and some of our plans will appear soon. The extensive grounds provide an ideal learning environment for pupils and the wider community, and it is hoped that the examples of habitat management will encourage other projects in the surrounding district. If you require further information, wish to visit the site or utilise the nature trail, please e-mail Terry (see homepage). Pupils meet every Tuesday lunchtime, and everyone is welcome! |
SHEP representatives Helen Rees and Terry Sigsworth were invited to attend the Green Apple Awards for Environmental Best Practice. Competition was fierce, with entries from over 120 large and small businesses and organisations throughout the UK, so it was a wonderful surprise to receive the National Gold Trophy. The presentation luncheon was hosted by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health at their London headquarters, and the awards were organised by The Green Organisation, which exists to promote environmental good practice. SHEP hit the front page of The Huddersfield Weekly News, and also featured in The Examiner and The Huddersfield District Chronicle.
The Chief Executive of The Chatered Institute of Environmental Health, Michael Cooke, is quoted as saying "The Shelley High Environmental Project was set up to increase environmental awareness among the young, improve the school grounds and encourage wildlife. It also aimed to provide a practical teaching focus and to foster school and community links. The teenagers involved have helped to develop a 35-acre wildlife garden and nature trail."
Shelley High Environment
Project
