Orterra: Transforming school grounds into living learning spaces
Nature is one of the best teachers, yet many schools overlook the potential of their outdoor spaces. By integrating biodiversity, sustainability, and outdoor learning, we can transform school grounds into thriving environments where students connect with nature, explore ecosystems, and develop a lifelong respect for the planet.
Here are three simple yet powerful ways to make school landscapes more sustainable and enriching for students:
Create native and edible gardens
A well-designed garden isn’t just a beautiful addition – it’s a living, hands-on classroom. Using native plants is one of the easiest ways to boost biodiversity while supporting the local environment. These species thrive naturally, require less water, and attract essential pollinators like bees and butterflies. Schools can create bush food gardens to explore traditional plant knowledge, pollinator-friendly spaces to study ecosystems, or bird friendly areas to observe wildlife interactions. These gardens provide a sustainable, interactive way for students to learn about plant life, climate resilience, and conservation.
Install habitat features for local wildlife
Wildlife-friendly school grounds don’t just benefit animals – they enhance student learning by providing real-world ecological experiences.
Schools can introduce:
• Birdhouses and possum shelters to support local species.
• Native bee hives and insect hotels to encourage pollination.
• Ponds and log habitats to attract frogs, insects, and small mammals.
Observing wildlife firsthand helps students understand biodiversity in action – how species interact, why pollinators matter, and how small environmental changes make a big impact.
Design outdoor learning environments
Why limit learning to the classroom? Outdoor spaces can be designed for education, exploration, and relaxation, helping students engage with nature in meaningful ways. Schools can create:
• Sensory gardens, designed to stimulate different senses.
• Butterfly gardens, supporting local ecosystems.
• Vegetable patches and composting stations, where students can participate in sustainability projects.
These outdoor spaces allow students to monitor plant life, track wildlife activity, and experiment with climate-friendly practices all while improving their mental wellbeing and sense of environmental responsibility.
A greener future starts with schools
Sustainability isn’t just about planting trees, it’s about fostering a culture of environmental stewardship. By integrating native gardens, wildlife habitats, and outdoor learning spaces, schools can create vibrant environments where students engage with nature, build ecological awareness, and contribute to a healthier planet.
Want to bring sustainability to your school?
Let’s work together to transform your school grounds into a biodiverse, eco-friendly learning space.
0422 243 815
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orterra.com.au
