
This term, our Eco reps have supported the site team to develop an area of the school field. Known as ‘the mound’, it is an area of the field not used by students currently and so perfect for creating a habitat for wildlife.
In January, Eco reps supported the transformation of the area by planting hedgerow. Students who attend Plumpton College on a weekly basis, shared their knowledge and supported the planting too. We were fortunate enough to secure a grant from the Sussex Lund Programme enabling us to go ahead with the wilding of the area.
A pond has already been dug out and a gate installed. Further planting will occur and we’ve already had reports of a frog moving into the area. Lily, who has already achieved a student leadership gold award for her role as an Eco rep spoke about her thoughts on reconditioning the area, “It’s important we develop the ecological zone on the field so we do our part in supporting the environment and letting the wildlife thrive.”
Site staff who worked with the students reported back: “We just wanted to say how impressed we were with the students who came to help plant our hedging this morning. They listened with interest to the background and aspirations for the area and were incredibly diligent in their practical application of the planting process they were taught. It was also very encouraging to hear them ask whether they could help further! It is yet another example of being absolutely bowled over by the personal qualities of our fantastic students!”
The value of being outside and in nature on our mental health was highlighted by one student comment: “wow, isn’t it great being able to do something useful, but something where we can just switch off for a moment”.
It will be great to see the area thrive in the future and know that students have made a long-lasting impact on the College’s ecology, supporting wildlife to thrive on the school site. Our Eco reps are involved in a range of other activities involving the College site from the Great British Spring Clean to meeting with business leaders involved in energy efficiency. If any other students are interested in becoming an Eco rep and supporting with the development of the ecological zone, they should email [email protected] expressing their interest in the role.






