The aim of the project is to develop new and existing school grounds initiatives within Bolton through the delivery of advice, training and support. The project will focus upon encouraging and empowering schools and their local communities to develop their own projects, which enhance local biodiversity and create environmental education opportunities.

the Wildlife Trust and schools

The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside has been working with schools in Bolton since 1988.

Since Bolton School Grounds Project started, in May 2004, 36 primary schools and 4 secondary schools and one special school have been involved.

typical services

Bolton School Grounds Project Officer has focused on encouraging and empowering schools to develop their own projects. To date, the activities of the Project Officer reflect the aim of developing sustainable projects where schools and their local communities have ownership.

The main ongoing services that the Project Officer has offered to schools to bring this about are:

	Advice visit – following expression of interest from a school, Project Officer (PO) arranges a meeting to discuss possible projects
	Funding application – assisting schools with applications for funding
	Practical work – practical work by Wildlife Trust contractors/ staff/ volunteers, e.g. hard landscaping
	Practical work with pupils – practical work that involved children, e.g. soft landscaping
	Project work – PO has visited school regularly to work with children on an ongoing project
	Training workshop – Ideas and advice for school grounds projects and opportunity to meet others developing their grounds

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The Bolton School Grounds Project has been funded by Transform your Space,( a Big Lottery Fund initiative), Bolton Metro and the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside. The project will run out of funds in March 2007. The Wildlife Trust is currently looking for funding to continue this successful project.