Derbyshire school wins National Nature Prize

Lenthall Infant and Nursery School will use its prize money to make good use of an underused area of school land by creating a bee pollination and sensory garden designed to boost biodiversity and climate resilience.

To address overheating and exposure issues, they will plant pollinator-friendly wildflowers, hedging, and trees. A rain garden and water play zone will introduce sustainable draining principles to tackle drought vulnerability, whilst giving students hands-on opportunities to learn about water conservation.

Ms Moody, Lenthall’s Sustainability Lead, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded £500 to create our new bee pollination garden. This support will enable our children to learn first‑hand about the vital role bees play in our environment and to take meaningful action to protect local wildlife. At Lenthall, sustainability is at the heart of our curriculum, and this project will empower even our youngest learners to make a real difference. We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity and excited to see our garden buzzing with life."

"I’m really happy we won the money because we’re going to make a special garden for the bees. Bees help our flowers grow, and we want to look after them. I can’t wait to plant seeds and see the bees come to visit our garden!" - Izzy, Year 1, Green Gang Member, Lenthall Infant & Nursery School

The OVO Foundation Nature Prize is run in partnership with Let’s Go Zero. Let’s Go Zero, created by climate charity Ashden, is the campaign for all UK schools, colleges and nurseries to be net zero by 2030.

More than 8,600 UK schools – including Lenthall Infant & Nursery School – have signed up to the campaign. Joining is free, and brings schools benefits like tailored support from expert advisors.

To win the OVO Foundation Nature Prize, schools had to share their idea for a great green initiative. These brilliant projects will prepare schools for floods and heatwaves, inspire pupils and give them new skills, and bring schools and communities together. The annual competition was first run in 2023. This year, 30 schools across the UK have won the £500 prize.

Alex Green, Head of Let’s Go Zero, said: “Congratulations to our winning schools. The standard of entries was fantastic, so to make the list is a real triumph. Nature-rich schools create so many benefits. They help young people stay active and healthy, and also enjoy inspiring hands-on lessons and activities. I’m delighted that the OVO Foundation Nature Prize is bringing these benefits to more communities around the UK.”

Vicki Sinclair, Senior Projects & Communications Manager at OVO Foundation, said: “It is an inspiration to see the creativity and ambition of the schools entering the Nature Prize. We’re delighted to support this year’s 30 winners, whose brilliant projects will empower students and communities to spend more time in nature, gain access to outdoor education, and catalyse local climate action.”

See the full list of winners here.

About Let’s Go Zero

Let’s Go Zero is Ashden’s campaign for all schools, colleges and nurseries to be zero carbon by 2030. It brings resources, information and connections to participating schools and their partners. It inspires staff, young people and their communities. And it works with government and national organisations to unlock support for zero carbon schools across the UK. More than 25% of UK schools have joined the campaign, with over 3,000 helped to develop and deliver a bespoke climate action plan.

About OVO Foundation

Since 2014, OVO Foundation has been on a mission to create a greener, brighter future for the next generation. By partnering with brilliant charities, we help young people connect with nature, learn green skills, build communities, and make their voices heard. This leads to less eco-anxiety, better wellbeing, and a lifetime of climate action.

For more information visit ovofoundation.org.uk.