The project transforms an unused gravel area in the school garden into a biodiversity-friendly green space. In cooperation with an external environmental expert, students prepare the soil using regional compost, sow native wildflower seeds and plant site-appropriate plants. The initiative improves biodiversity, enhances the microclimate and creates a visible, long-term green area that is integrated into the school’s educational activities and maintained by students.
The school campus includes a gravel area with limited ecological function. Following a student initiative, this area is being upgraded through targeted greening methods to increase biodiversity and improve the microclimate while enhancing an existing outdoor learning space. Student involvement ensures that environmental topics are addressed through practical, experience-based learning.
The initiative starts with a planning phase in which students collaborate with an external environmental expert to assess the gravel area and define appropriate greening methods. This includes selecting native plants and planning soil improvement.
During the implementation phase, students prepare the area by improving the soil with regional compost, sow native wildflower seeds and plant site-appropriate plants. Prior to the practical work, students receive an introductory talk by the expert on biodiversity and the ecological value of native plants. The green space is then integrated into the existing outdoor learning area and maintained by students as part of ongoing school activities.
The project is supported through cooperation with the Energy Region Weiz–Gleisdorf and an external partner, who provide funding and expert support for the implementation of the initiative.
The project results in the conversion of a previously unused gravel area into a biodiversity-friendly green space with native wildflowers and a newly planted site-appropriate plants. The initiative enhances ecological value on the school campus, improves the local microclimate and upgrades an existing outdoor learning area. Students gain practical experience in environmental action and contribute to the long-term care of the green space.
The initiative has a lasting impact on the school campus by increasing biodiversity and improving climate resilience through targeted greening measures. It strengthens students’ environmental awareness by linking theory with practical action and establishes the upgraded green area as a long-term learning and recreational space.
Students are actively involved in all phases of the initiative. They participate in the planning of the greening measures together with an external expert, carry out the practical work on site including soil preparation, wildflower seeding and tree planting and take responsibility for the ongoing care and maintenance of the green area as part of school activities.
- Students
- Green Team
The green area will be maintained and used as part of school activities and outdoor learning. Depending on available financial resources, minor further improvements to the surrounding learning space may be considered in order to enhance its educational use.