Pupils Transform School Grounds with Spring Pond Projects

As spring approaches, pupils at Woodlands Academy have been busy outdoors, taking part in two exciting projects to enhance the school grounds and support local wildlife.

The first project focuses on the creation of a new two-tier pond area designed to provide rich learning opportunities. One section will be a dedicated wildlife pond, allowing pupils to observe insects and pond life in their natural habitat, while a second aquatic area will be home to fish. The project is now nearing completion, with only the liner, protective netting and pond pumps left to install. The system will be fully solar-powered, requiring no electrical supply. Development of the pond area has been made possible thanks to the school’s RHS grant, which supports initiatives to transform grey spaces into green, thriving environments.

Alongside this, a second team of pupils has been hard at work renovating the pond dipping platform in the school’s woodlands. A group of enthusiastic Year 7 pupils have taken a keen interest in improving the woodland area and eagerly embraced the opportunity to develop practical skills outside the classroom -even donning wellies to get stuck in.

Over several weeks, the pupils removed worn and damaged timber from the existing platform, replacing it with a new base and decking. Most of the work was completed during lunchtime sessions as part of the DT club, with pupils generously giving up their free time to support the project.

The renovation is expected to be completed soon, allowing pupils, staff and visitors to fully enjoy the beauty and educational value of the school’s woodland areas. Throughout the project, pupils remained engaged and motivated, gaining hands-on experience, developing real-world skills and learning more about the woodland environment.

These projects highlight Woodlands Academy’s commitment to outdoor learning, sustainability and giving pupils meaningful opportunities to learn beyond the classroom.