The key to a good start is to carry out a thorough review that can be repeated at key stages throughout the 2-year cycle.

1) Awareness Survey

2) Why not revisit the previous Green-Schools Themes and identify what has been done so far that may have helped biodiversity (e.g. removing litter from the environment can prevent wildlife deaths; decreasing energy consumption can reduce the effects of climate change, therefore helping to protect biodiversity.)

3) Map the School Grounds - both inside and outside the school. Remember biodiversity is strongly influenced by the seasons so be sure and keep a record of the time of year (and the weather conditions!).

Here are Some Things to Think About:

Inside the School:

• Tables/Chairs

• What species of tree were they made from?

• Were they sourced from sustainable forests?

• Food

• What is in your lunch box?

• What country has it come from?

Outside the School:

• What species of trees are growing?

• Discover how your garden grows – have you any wild/unmanaged areas?

• What bird species frequent your school grounds?

• Are there any mammals that visit the school?

• Are there lichens growing on the walls/trees around the school?

4) Investigate your Local Area

• See what SAC/SPA/NHAs are nearby

• Find out what species are special to your area

• Are you near a Blue Flag or Clean Coast Beach?

N.B. Ask the students to Record and Display their results (e.g. pie/bar charts that show the percentage/numbers of the various tree/bird/lichen species present around the school, map of school grounds identifying habitats/species, etc.)

Top Tip! Answer the questions in the Biodiversity Application Form as you progress and through the 7 Steps and keep your answers safe, this will help you keep focused and on track!