THE pupils at Willowbridge School have been working hard to develop a new wildflower meadow for their school, with the area set to celebrate bio-diversity and benefit the school in many ways.

Speaking on the development, Finessa Wallace, Eco- Schools Coordinator for Willowbridge School, said: “This year our major theme with Eco-Schools has been biodiversity, and we are embracing it wholeheartedly.

"We are in the process of creating a wildflower meadow involving the entire school community.

"We have won numerous grants and competitions, have taken part in both online workshops and webinars, and completed a whole raft of in-school initiatives."

The new area of the school – a wildflower meadow – will bring bio-diversity to the forefront of school life.

Finessa said: “Trees have been donated by Trees for Schools, although accessing these trees has been difficult because of Brexit tariffs.

"Wildflower seeds were donated from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and Conservation NI.

"Outdoor musical instruments will also be featured [in the garden], and they have been made with reclaimed metal and wood.

"A birdwatching hut is complete, funded by Edina Trust.”

There are plans to plant heritage apple trees with support from Conservation NI. When all of the major work is completed, the school community plan to hold a rain coat and wellie boot day to celebrate the opening of the wildflower meadow.

Outside of their wildflower meadow, the Eco-Schools team has been taking part in NI Water campaigns, RSPN Garden Birdwatch, and the Young Reporters for the Environment scheme.

Finessa added: "We also continue to reinforce our Eco Code with the help of our parents, the Board of Governors, Eco Team, and the school community."