BBC Breathing Places Schools

Children watching birds at school, RSPB Big Schools Birdwatch

Creating a place for wildlife in your school grounds has never been easier. With the help of BBC Breathing Places Schools, nature can be nurtured and encouraged in schools for children to enjoy and explore.

Since its successful launch in January 2008, over 8,000 schools across the UK have registered to take part in BBC Breathing Places Schools. Each term, schools are asked to 'Do One Thing' for nature. So far, activities have included seed planting, creating minibeast habitats, feeding wildlife and wildlife homes - use the links on this page to find out the latest information.

Schools are given information and activity ideas to help them during each term's work with a focus on benefit to biodiversity and pupils learning outside the classroom.

'It's good! We learn about plants and birds and how to make homes for wildlife!'

One teacher wrote: 'Breathing Places Schools has been a really excellent tool for our environmental club and the structured activities have provided focus for our work. We try to work in a fun way but there has to be a wider 'educational' aspect to it.

'The area is constantly used within the school curriculum to learn about science, literacy, art, maths etc. I think the kids say it all: 'It's good! We learn about plants and birds and how to make homes for wildlife so they can come in our garden with us!''

BBC Breathing Places Schools works with a UK partnership of over 40 different organisations (see the 'Our partners' link). They provide their knowledge and expertise in creating the simple activities that schools are asked to do.

Get involved

Feeling inspired? If so, it's not too late to take part. If you are a teacher and you would like your school to participate in Breathing Places Schools, it's easy. All you have to do is register your school and you will receive a free activity pack with the latest terms information to get you started. The sooner you get involved, the quicker your Breathing Place will become a reality.

What can I do?

Create a space for plants and wildlife in your school grounds with BBC Breathing Places Schools.