1) Get the committee together and have a brainstorming session in light of the results of your Environmental Review and begin entering actions into your Action Plan.
2) Inform the whole school of the new theme. Why not kick start the Biodiversity Theme by coming up with a new Green Code! Have a whole-school poster/slogan competition using recycled materials. Be sure and display the winning slogan on the Green-Schools Notice Board.
3) Make a Connection With Nature
Learn about the huge diversity that surrounds us
Ensure everyone is aware of the importance of biodiversity in our daily lives
Look at what is happening to biodiversity on a local, national and international basis
Research ways we can help protect biodiversity.
4) Conduct Habitat Surveys in the school, at home and in the local area.
5) Conduct Species Surveys (birds/trees/invertebrates/mini-beasts/lichen/butterfly) – look at both species richness (diversity) and species numbers.
Check out the Birdwatch Ireland’s Garden Bird Survey.
NB: A Preferred Biodiversity Action is to take part in “Biodiversity Bingo” for Green-Schools, in conjunction with the National Biodiversity Data Centre, beginning in April. More >>
6) Invite a local speaker to give your school a talk on biodiversity in your area.
7) Create a wildlife garden/wildlife area/pond/log pile/ mini-beast hotel!
8) Discover a chain reaction – examine the interactions between plants and species, geography and landscapes, climate, accessibility to humans, and population concentrations.
9) Take a virtual field trip! Twin your school on migration paths of certain birds and follow their trip.
Check out:
The list of possible actions is endless; however it is vital that schools do not take on too much! Small and successful action builds confidence and encourages more success!
N.B. Your Action Plan should be in table format and displayed on your Green-Schools Notice Board.