Practical guide to climate action by topic

This guide is designed to help school leaders implement change, understand opportunities and regulatory changes that relate to schools. Taking action is often easier than it seems! Student engagement is referenced throughout.

Biodiversity, green infrastructure and wellbeing

Improving your school grounds can support student health, encourage biodiversity and build climate resilience.

Create outdoor spaces that benefit everyone

Changes to your school grounds can:

  • support student wellbeing and mental health
  • offer shade during hot weather
  • reduce flood risk
  • provide outdoor learning opportunities and physical activity
  • support healthy eating through growing food
  • support inclusion through small group or club activities

Projects like tree-planting, habitat creation, wildflower meadows, food forests and sensory gardens are low-cost and high-impact.

Find out more about how school grounds can support nature and student wellbeing on the Essex County Council website.

Reduce flood risk

Changes to your school grounds can help reduce flood risk as well as supporting nature. If you are in a high-risk area, you may be eligible for support. More information on flood risk management is available on the Essex County Council website. 

Link to curriculum and inclusion

Nature-based projects link to science, geography, art, physical education (‘alternative activities’), PSHE and food education. They also provide opportunities for: 

  • student leadership
  • extra-curricular activities
  • targeted support through inclusion frameworks

Some projects may be eligible for ECC’s Inclusion Framework funding. Speak to your Inclusion Partner for more information.

More advice on opportunities and how to maximise the benefits to students through the development of your school grounds, is available from Active Essex.