Set within picturesque Cornish countryside just a short distance from Liskeard, Trewidland Primary & Pre-School has completed a significant biodiversity project after securing £5,000 in national funding earlier this year.

The small village school was awarded the grant through the National Education Nature Park programme, linked to the Royal Horticultural Society and the Department for Education. The funding is intended to help schools increase biodiversity across their grounds.

A detailed application was submitted in February, including site plans and costings to develop three areas of the school site: the field, playground and pond area. Funding was confirmed on 4 March, with a deadline of 30 April to complete the work - giving the school just eight weeks to deliver the project.

Trewidland Primary and Pre-School
(Trewidland Primary and Pre-School)

During that time, all three areas were enhanced to support greater biodiversity. Anne Sherrington, school secretary, carried out in-depth research into plant selection to ensure the species chosen were well suited to the site and its aims.

Pupils were closely involved throughout, helping with planting and learning about the purpose behind the improvements. Their involvement means they will continue to take ownership of the spaces and help maintain them in the future.

The project also drew support from the wider community, with donations from local residents helping to bring the plans to fruition.

Trewidland Primary and Pre-School
(Trewidland Primary and Pre-School)

Photographs show newly planted areas around the grounds, as well as children planting strawberry plants alongside staff and school governor Martin Cluer.

Trewidland Primary & Pre-School welcomes enquiries for Pre-School, which accepts children from age three, and has places available across all year groups. A breakfast club is also available to support working families. From September the school will be operating a minibus service from Liskeard, offering morning pick-up and afternoon drop-off for families who require transport. Further information or visits can be arranged by contacting the school directly.