Derry school leads the way in biodiversity with major ESB funding

Members of the Eco committee from St. Oliver Plunkett Primary School have received £15,000 funding from Coolkeeragh ESB to support a range of biodiversity and sustainability projects across the school.

This generous funding will allow the Derry school to make meaningful improvements to their outdoor learning environment and strengthen their commitment to environmental education. One of their key plans is to install a polytunnel, giving all pupils the opportunity to develop hands on skills in growing their own fruit and vegetables.

READ NEXT: First Minister backs North West’s role in driving regional delivery during Derry visit

This will help children understand where food comes from, the work involved in producing it, and how our choices around food contribute to climate change.

In addition, they will be creating new wildlife friendly areas throughout the grounds. With the introduction of bug hotels and wildflower planting, they hope to attract a wider variety of insects, birds and other local wildlife. These features will greatly enhance their World Around Us curriculum and support activities such as birdwatching, weather watching, and outdoor scientific investigations.

Staff from Coolkeeragh Power Station will also be working alongside the school over the next eight months to help bring these projects to life. Their expertise and support will be invaluable as the school transforms their ideas into reality.