Kent County Councils strategic partner for critical facilities management (FM) and highways has donated wildlife boxes to schools across Kent to help create more wildlife habitats alongside the delivery of project works.
The wildlife boxes will help create much-needed shelter for urban wildlife and encourage more habitats in the school environment. The wildlife boxes were handmade by Amey’s in house carpentry team and supplied by their supply chain partners Inspire Contract Services and G. Baker Roofing. The scheme will in future include bat boxes and bee hotels as part of Amey’s ongoing commitment to promote green initiatives in areas where Amey delivers work.
As schools reopen to all pupils’ following the latest lockdown and spring around the corner, the wildlife boxes will help students engage and learn more about their surrounding nature by observing local wildlife.
Richard Long, KCC Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “The last year has been difficult for children and young people and many have spent more time indoors than outside As all pupils start to return to school following the latest easing of lockdown restrictions, I hope these wildlife boxes will encourage them to get outside once more and help them to reconnect with nature.”
Ben Smith, FM Account Manager for Kent, Amey Secure Infrastructure said: “As a key partner to Kent County Council, we are keen to work closely with local schools, to encourage them to welcome wildlife into their playground and gardens. By helping schools add more nature-friendly spaces, we can encourage and nurture wildlife within the local area and provide pupils with the opportunity to learn about the importance of urban nature.
In addition to the donated wildlife boxes, Amey has also been helping inspire the next generation via their Education Hub, virtual work experience placements in Kent and through Chat and Learn sessions which give young people, teachers, and parents access to learning resources and the opportunity to find out more about the work of Amey.