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Step 1 - Biodiversity Action School Grounds Survey

School grounds can be one of the most biodiverse sites in a local area and are always part of a larger biodiverse region. The survey can be run over a day with SCRAP staff and students who identify key biodiverse areas of the school and develop a management plan to conserve and enhance these areas. The survey also looks at the many issues facing school grounds such as student use, supervised areas, external noise, litter, stormwater run off, etc. The art of compromise in reconciling the competing interests is a fascination for all involved.

Cost is usually around $700 + GST for a full day workshop with feedback report.

Also, a DIY Kit is available that includes the Biodiversity in Action Manual over 11 lessons linked to the NSW curriculum.

Step 2 - Shade houses in schools

A shadehouse can be a great outdoor activity where students can grow their own plants for the school grounds. SCRAP offers several shade house designs (dependent on siting and security within the school) and also workshops in propagation and plant management. Cost varies according to size but is usually a minimum of $1600 + GST.

A shade house set up at Chester Hill PS

Step 3 - Creating Habitats

Planting local native species, in areas identified in the biodiversity audit, creates the habitat area. Through creating habitats students learn the importance of habitat in urban areas, and materials, which can be used in backyards as a temporary replacement. Depending on the size of the habitat planting, it should take two days to complete.

Step 4 - Bush tucker / Medicine garden

Students learn basic research skills by searching bush tucker web sites, magazine articles and books. Students will also identify the local Aboriginal tribal area the school is situated in. By creating a bush tucker garden students learn about plants Aboriginal tribes survived on prior to European arrival in Australia. Time required to research and create the Bush Tucker garden is 2 days, preferably consecutive.

Information about threatened plant and animals in NSW - including the Cumberland Plain region
http://www.threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au/

Commonwealth perspective and information regarding Cumberland Plain woodland
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/index.html

Threatened Species Network
http://wwf.org.au/ourwork/species/tsn/