Pollinator Project
Croydon High School's Wilder Garden
This grassy photo is our very own no-mow area in Summer 2021!
Threats to Pollinators
Pollinating insects are under threat. Their populations are in decline and the main threats are from:
The effects of climate change - earlier blooming in spring, droughts and less predictable weather patterns.
Change in habitat use - including loss of hedgerows in farmland.
Intensive use of pesticides.
Their numbers are in sharp decline:
Insect populations have decreased by as much as 50% over the last 50 years.
41% of insect species have been threatened by extinction.
23 species of bee and wasp have been made extinct since 1850.
We've been working hard to provide great habitats for insects on our school site. Have a look at what we have been doing!
Our Project Outline
No Mow Area
In school, we are working on a new scheme called the No- Mow scheme. This is where we leave areas around the school campus - not cutting the grass between March and September. We have a diversity of species already within our grass areas, and are introducing more wild flowers. This will provide a sheltered habitat for insects and pollinators to gain protection and to find food.
This scheme means that native plants can grow and increase the biodiversity where it is being lost.
We suggest that you give it a go and keep a No-Mow area in your own garden! Look at the posters on our Getting Involved page for more information.
We have collaborated with Surrey Wildlife Trust and they are helping us to plan our project. At the start of the summer term 2021, Louise Shorthose and Ben Siggery from Surrey Wildlife Trust came to visit our school and gave us an insight into a range of different pollintor-friendly plants that we could introduce. The Climate Change Exploring Elective Group even had the opportunity to test the pH of the soil and work out soil types on some areas in the school. This will help us with planting suitable plant species. They gave us a plethora of tips and ideas.
Find out more about Surrey Wildlife Trust and what they do.
Pollinator - friendly plants
We will be planting a variety of pollinator-friendly plants, starting with no-mow areas and the Science planters. These include lavender, campanula, scabious and many more. Flowers, rich in nectar are absolutely vital for creating and maintaining ecosytems for pollinators. Simply planting these flowers can have a massive impact on the insects which are currently in decline.
Find out about how to get involved making a difference in your own garden.
Also, how to contribute to the school project.
Questions?
Contact h.howgego@cry.gdst.net to get more information on the project, to send us your photos of wilder areas in your garden or to make donations to the project.