West Cumbria Rivers Trust leads ‘Greener Grounds’ school transformation project
Community-powered nature-based solutions boost biodiversity, reduce flooding of school grounds and inspire the next generation
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West Cumbria Rivers Trust (WCRT) is leading a pioneering school grounds transformation initiative that’s turning tarmac and tired corners into flourishing, flood-resilient green spaces – and it’s all thanks to the brain-child of Learning & Engagement Officer, Mia Ambrose and Director of West Cumbria Rivers Trust, Jodie Mills.
Inspired by the National Education Nature Park scheme, they wanted to adapt it into a uniquely tailored approach creating a design adapted to the unique needs and challenges of each school and crucially removing the burden from schools doing any heavy lifting so that teachers and pupils could focus on learning, creativity and getting their hands dirty. Every site design is completely bespoke, carefully shaped to match the school’s layout, challenges, and aspirations. The Greener Grounds project puts schools and their communities at the heart of the climate resilience movement.
“It’s not a one-size-fits-all scheme,” Mia explains. “I’ve worked closely with each school to make sure the process supports the curriculum, encourages outdoor learning, and brings the wider school community in to help shape the space. It’s been full of brilliant, muddy, joyful moments. I can honestly say this is the most challenging and rewarding project I’ve ever worked on.”
Each school starts by working with West Cumbria Rivers Trust to survey their grounds, identify opportunities for wildlife, and design a new layout using maps and discussion. From there, Mia pulls the vision together, coordinates contractors, staff, volunteers, families, and WCRT’s Apprentices to help deliver the bespoke design.
The result? School grounds that are not just greener and better adapted to flooding, but buzzing with life – and backed by long-term maintenance plans, newly formed gardening groups, and curriculum-linked resources that help embed the spaces into daily school life.
“Thanks to the groundworks and sustainable drainage, our garden space is now usable all year round - even after heavy rain. What’s been most special is seeing children and their families working together to transform the space into something truly beautiful. The colourful planting and new wildlife features have created a rich environment for learning, exploration, and connection. It’s brought a whole new energy to our school grounds.”
Charlotte Stamper, Teacher at Bransty Primary
This project has delivered more than just planting beds and ponds. It’s offered extraordinary days where children, families, and friends have worked side-by-side to dig, plant, and build – making lifelong memories as they help bring their schools’ vision to life.
Laureen a parent from Bransty Primary School said: “It’s been lovely to be part of a community-based project at my children’s school – especially one where we’ve truly seen the benefits of our efforts. Having some one-to-one time with my daughter was really special; that bonding experience meant a lot to me. I could see how proud she was of her work and what she’d accomplished.”
“I volunteered to help at a recent event at Bransty School and found the whole experience insightful. The staff members were amazing. We are fortunate to have had this experience and hopefully these opportunities continue wherever possible in the future.” Gavin, volunteer who worked alongside WCRT staff on the project
Mia’s role has been one of constant adaptation – problem-solving around school schedules, weather windows, and unexpected challenges, all while keeping momentum and morale high. Her dedication and attention to each school’s individual needs have earned her high praise from headteachers and staff alike.
Funded by Sellafield Ltd Six – Social Impact Multiplied, Greener Grounds shows how climate action, outdoor learning, and community pride can thrive side-by-side – with nature at the heart of it all.
“It’s more than greening up school grounds,” says [Insert spokesperson from Sellafield]. “It’s about building resilience, creating joy, and showing what’s possible when schools, families, and nature come together.”
Looking Ahead: West Cumbria Rivers Trust seeks interest from West Coast schools for future Greener Grounds projects
Following the success of the Greener Grounds project, WCRT is already fully booked for the second phase, set to run in 2026. However, project leads Jodie Mills and Mia Ambrose are calling for expressions of interest from additional schools along the West Coast to help shape future plans and funding bids.
Jodie Mills, Director of West Cumbria Rivers Trust said: “The enthusiasm from schools and local communities has been truly inspiring. Greener Grounds has made a real impact with how these young people engage with nature, but also showing them how natural solutions can support climate resilience in real, tangible ways. We're now looking to build on that success by scoping out how many schools would like to work with us so we can try to find more funding to bring this fantastic project to even more communities across West Cumbria.”
Highlights from Recent Schools
Bransty Primary, Whitehaven
Designed and installed a SuDS system including five rain planters, a rill, rain garden, and French drain
Created pollinator beds, bug hotels, and a water play area
Removed 95m² of astroturf and replaced with real turf
Made a willow hide as part of a memorial garden
“Without the rain planters, this area would be waterlogged – now it’s managing runoff and creating a beautiful, playable space.”
West Lakes Academy, Egremont
Built a hand-dug pond, rockery, perennial bed, and water capture system
Installed bird boxes and ran family gardening days
“This year I’ve never had so much help in the garden. It’s the best it’s ever looked. I’m so proud we’ve entered Cumbria in Bloom!” — Tess Bleasdale, Garden Co-ordinator
St Begh’s Catholic Junior School, Whitehaven
Created a 27m² wildflower meadow, installed a large pond with dipping platform, and planted across four raised beds
Built a willow hide and installed bug hotels
“Working with WCRT has been truly transformational. It’s brought the curriculum to life and boosted pupils’ wellbeing and pride in their school.” — Alisha Siddle, High Level Teaching Assistant
An Invitation to Celebrate
Members of the press are invited to attend celebration events marking the transformation of local school grounds through the Greener Grounds project.