Greener Grounds: from daunting dream to joyful reality
Mia Ambrose, Learning & Engagement Officer, WCRT
Mia Ambrose has just completed Phase 1 of Greener Grounds – a new programme from West Cumbria Rivers Trust that transforms school grounds into thriving, biodiverse spaces for nature and learning. Here, she reflects on the challenges, surprises, and community spirit that brought it all to life.
To say this journey’s been an emotional rollercoaster would be an understatement.
When I joined West Cumbria Rivers Trust, I was new to both the team and the task – creating wildlife-rich spaces in school grounds. I'd never done anything quite like this before. But the ethos at WCRT is something special: you're trusted to learn by doing, knowing the team around you has your back with a wealth of experience, ideas, and practical know-how.
One of my goals in this role was to help schools become National Education Nature Parks. But as I immersed myself in the details of the scheme, it quickly became clear it wasn’t quite the right fit for us. The concept was inspiring, but there were hurdles: schools needed a teacher login, there was no funding attached, and the resources – though beautifully put together – just didn’t suit the hands-on, collaborative support we wanted to offer.
So, we did what WCRT does best: we adapted. With help on wording from my colleague Rachel, we developed our own approach and decided to call it Greener Grounds.
At first, it felt overwhelming – I had a blank canvas, a ticking clock, and a generous but unfamiliar budget from Sellafield Ltd’s Six – Social Impact Multiplied. I didn’t feel like I had all the answers. But bit by bit, I built a process that worked – not just for me, but for the schools, families, and communities coming on this journey with us.
Building a blueprint
The first step was reaching out to schools. I approached four (all at once – not something I’d recommend in hindsight!) and was amazed by the enthusiasm. They bit my hand off to get involved.
Each school started with a whole-staff and stakeholder meeting. I brought along a trusty PowerPoint presentation and we talked through the why, how, and what. Then came the fun part – working with the children. Schools picked a group (often a mix of eco reps, school council, or a whole class), and we surveyed their grounds together to figure out what was already there, what we could add to boost biodiversity and how we might tackle any problem areas.
Some of their early ideas were wonderfully imaginative – think climbing frames, paddling pools, and pop-up cafés. With a bit of gentle guidance, we worked together to channel that creativity into designs focused on wildlife and water, like bug hotels, ponds, and rain gardens. Their enthusiasm, ideas, and sense of ownership were not just inspiring – they were essential. Using adapted resources from Learning Through Landscapes, we helped shape their visions into real, bespoke designs that reflected each school’s unique space and priorities.
From paper to plants
With ideas in place, I worked up a plan, got sign-off from the schools, and we began digging – literally and figuratively. Managing the budget was a learning curve, and the blank canvas sometimes felt like a vast field of uncertainty. But thanks to a few key people, things started to take shape.
We sourced our plants from Whitehaven Garden Centre, whose expert advice helped ensure everything would thrive. Local businesses chipped in with generosity – the skip company let us keep ours longer than we were billed for (the driver went to one of the schools!), and we were gifted woodchip by nearby arborists after tree works. We used willow from local weaver Helen Elvin, and builder Nick Hall – whose partner and daughter are part of the school community – was a huge help on some of our trickier sites. Wherever we could, we used local, sustainable, and recycled materials, keeping the project grounded in community and in place.
Enter: Monica, our former apprentice and now Assistant Learning & Engagement Officer. She had an incredible knack for turning my stress into strategy – casually suggesting, “Why don’t we ask our volunteers to help?” Genius. I’d somehow got stuck thinking it was all on me to deliver!
Before I knew it, a brilliant team of WCRT volunteer regulars had stepped up – joined by the school children’s parents, grandparents, and even the odd green-fingered sibling. Together, they gave their time, energy, and kindness: digging ponds, shifting wheelbarrows of hardcore, tackling the weeding (with particularly enthusiastic help from the kids!), and helping me decode a chaotic pile of unlabelled plant pots.
One of the biggest joys was watching families connect – not just with nature, but with each other. These weren’t just green spaces; they became places filled with laughter, teamwork, and pride. (cont. below)
Moments from the first chapter of Greener Grounds
Learning as we grow
There have been challenges, of course. The long days. The unexpected hurdles. The times I doubted myself. But every step has been a lesson in creativity, flexibility, and the power of community. I think the results speak for themselves.
From sustainable drainage systems at Bransty Primary School to wildflower meadows and willow hides at St Begh’s Catholic Primary School, and ponds teeming with life at West Lakes Academy – each transformation has been unique and full of life. What’s more, they’re backed by long-term plans and newly formed school gardening groups ready to keep them thriving.
One moment that really stuck with me was hearing from a school caretaker following a particularly heavy downpour: he told me the astroturf would normally be underwater, but instead the ground was dry and the rain garden was doing exactly what we’d hoped – he was so impressed with it he took several videos to show everyone what he was seeing.
Looking ahead
As we wrap up this year’s four schools and prepare for celebration days, I’m feeling a mix of nerves and pride. I’ve even survived being interviewed on camera by Paul from Route North for a video we’re producing about the project – twice!
Looking to the next phase, we’ve got more schools lined up for September. This time, I’ll be taking everything I’ve learned and starting fresh – with families, staff, volunteers, and apprentices looped in from day one.
I can honestly say that this has been the most rewarding project I’ve ever worked on. I’m beyond proud of what we’ve built – not just the gardens, but the bonds, the learning, and the growing love for nature.
Greener Grounds isn’t just about greener schools – it’s about stronger communities, curious kids, and hope for the future.
Find out more about our Greener Grounds programme here.