SCHOOLS in the borough and around the UK have the chance to connect their students with nature and inspire them to take climate action, by applying to win an annual prize.
A nature competition, run by Let’s Go Zero with support from OVO Foundation, will give schools the chance to win 10 prizes of £1000 and 15 prizes of £200 to fund nature-related projects in their schools, with a total of £13,000 for sustainable projects available.
To apply for one of the prizes offered by the 2025 OVO Foundation Nature Prize, schools simply have to explain how they’d like to bring students closer to nature.
Alex Green, Head of Let’s Go Zero, the national campaign for all schools, colleges and nurseries to be zero carbon by 2030, said: “Schools are key places to enact and inspire change in the next generation as well as the wider community, so this competition is a great boost to schools to put their ideas into action.
“We want schools to apply to this competition to help them to connect students to nature, boost biodiversity, create beautiful places for children to play and learn, and kickstart climate action.
“This is a great opportunity to get everyone working together to make something beautiful and educational, whilst having fun in the process.
“They’ll also be joining Let’s Go Zero, which offers them a whole range of free support on their zero carbon journey.”
Planting vegetables, creating outdoor learning spaces, or building bug hotels are just some of the ways schools can encourage nature in the school grounds, but the possibilities are endless, and schools are encouraged to be as creative as possible in their entries.
Schools can propose projects that are connected to food, adaptation and resilience, water, culture or managing waste too.
Previous winning projects have included a willow dome in the playground of a Watford school, and turning a disused corner of a school plot in Sheffield into a thriving garden.
Hannah Howard, head of OVO Foundation, says: “We are thrilled to be in our third year of the OVO Foundation Nature Prize, having seen the brilliant ideas that have come to fruition across the UK already.
“Giving children and young people hands-on experience while supporting schools to deliver their innovative nature and climate projects and embed more sustainable practice really brings our mission of a greener, brighter future for the next generation to life.”
Judges for the 2025 OVO Foundation Nature Prize will be particularly looking for projects whose impact reaches beyond the school gates.
Schools can invite members of the community, local businesses, or other schools to learn about, or take part in, their nature projects as part of widening the project’s impact.
Judges are also keen to see applications from areas particularly vulnerable to climate impact.
Schools can apply with video applications or use the written application form.
Judges will look for creative and engaging ideas with the power to inspire young people and the wider school community, with a focus on including less advantaged groups.
For a chance to win a nature prize, schools should sign up to letsgozero.org/join and follow the competition information, or email: letsgozero@ashden.org to discuss application ideas.
The deadline for applications is Monday, November 25.
