Winning entries in wildlife competition

The winning projects in a competition to boost wildlife in Kettering have been announced.

Kettering Town councillors had a total of £3,000 to award to local community groups to fund ideas to boost biodiversity.

Two schools scooped the top £1,000 prize – Kettering Science Academy with their project to teach children how to grow vegetables – and Park Junior School PTFA to set up an Eco Club so children can grow their own produce and install bug houses, bird boxes and a wildflower area.

Kettering Nature Group secured £400 to fund the Kettering Bats Rock! Tour – a series of free guided bat walks with cash going towards purchasing bat detectors.

The Parent Friends Association of St Marys School was awarded £200 to develop a wellbeing garden, creating a habitat of plants and wildflowers where biodiversity would be a focus.

Bishop Stopford School won £200 to set up a Gardening Society to develop an area of eco garden at the school, focusing on project days in June with groups of year 8 students taking on the work as a super curricular activity.

Southfield School for Girls received £200 to further develop the pond habitat area, which was funded by last year's Love Wildlife competition. They would like to encourage more wildlife to the area by putting up bat boxes, hedgehog homes and a bee barn.

Councillors judged the submissions according to how well they will enhance habitats for wildlife, promote biodiversity and on the wider benefit to the community.

Kettering Town Council's Climate Change Champion, Cllr Emily Fedorowycz, said: "We had some brilliant entries for this year's competition and it was really hard choosing the winners. There were a huge number of schools that applied and that is so exciting, as these projects offer young people so much, both in terms of connecting them with nature, but also giving them some unique opportunities to build confidence and new skills.

"What stood out for us in these entries was the impact they would have on the wider community and in boosting biodiversity for Kettering. We cannot wait to see the results of these fantastic projects."

Adam Riley from Kettering Nature Group said: "We are thrilled to announce that we will once again be partnering with Kettering Town Council. Our Bats Rock! tour, featuring free guided bat walks, has already introduced hundreds of people to the fascinating nocturnal wonders of Kettering.

"Thanks to the generous grant from the council, we will be able to offer this tour to even more people. Get ready to join us for an unforgettable experience!"