From frogs and newts to hedgehogs and dragonflies, a pond can be a lifeline for a huge range of wildlife, providing somewhere for them to drink, feed and breed. A Carlisle primary school has recently been doing its bit to help these much-loved creatures, while getting closer to nature themselves.

Pupils at St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School in Botcherby, Carlisle have spent six weeks creating a wildlife pond in their school grounds. Led by headteacher Sarah Hutchinson and working with Cumbria Wildlife Trust, they’ve improved their grounds not just for wildlife but for the pupils as well. The pond is a huge asset for the school’s outdoor learning area, which has been set up to give pupils access to nature. 

The pond at St Cuthbert’s is part of Nextdoor Nature, a £5million project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to leave a lasting legacy for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. It’s led by The Wildlife Trusts. The aim is to improve nature and wildlife in the areas where people live, and encourages them to take an interest in the natural world. St Cuthbert’s joined the project in May this year, along with four other schools in Carlisle.

Mrs Hutchinson was immediately keen to build a pond and get the children involved. Year 6 children led the project, researching native British plants, the cost of materials and the key features that will help nature thrive, and then created their own designs. They then spent weeks digging the pond and doing the groundwork, to make sure the project was successful, with a bit of help from pupils in the other classes. 

The children worked with Ruth Alcroft, Education Officer for Cumbria Wildlife Trust, to put their plans into action.  Ruth said: “I’m really proud of the work done by all the pupils at St Cuthbert’s in creating this pond. The designs by the Year 6 children are brilliant for providing a home for pond life, which in turn will bring more wildlife to this part of Botcherby.  They listened really well and took on board advice about creating shallow areas so wildlife can get into the water and easily escape if needs be, and they chose a range of plants to keep the water healthy. I can’t wait to see the water lilies bloom!”

Children at the school were equally enthusiastic, saying: “It was great fun. I give it five stars!” and Mrs Hutchison said: “They were so proud of their achievements and have left the other children in school an amazing feature for them to use for pond dipping and other scientific enquiries.”

The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Using money raised by the National Lottery, we Inspire, lead and resource the UK’s heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and in the future. 

As part of the National Lottery’s £22million investment to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, The National Lottery Heritage Fund is investing £7m to create a lasting legacy for communities and nature across the UK. The funding will empower disadvantaged communities to take action for nature on their doorsteps and enable 70 young people to undertake paid placements in the nature heritage sector. Follow @HeritageFundUK on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and use #NationalLotteryHeritageFund #PlatinumJubilee