Our Commitment to Nature: Biodiversity and the River Cam Reserve

As we reflect upon another vibrant term at Stephen Perse Cambridge, we are delighted to share an update on one of our most important ongoing initiatives: our commitment to fostering biodiversity within and around our school grounds. We believe in educating our students not just academically, but also as responsible global citizens, and understanding the natural world is a cornerstone of this.

Biodiversity, quite simply, is the rich variety of life on Earth – the countless species of plants, animals, fungi, and micro-organisms, and the intricate ecosystems they form. It is the very fabric of our natural world, providing us with clean air and water, fertile soil, and the fundamental resources that sustain all life. When biodiversity thrives, our environment is healthier, more resilient, and better equipped to face environmental challenges.

We are incredibly fortunate to be the only school in Cambridge to have a nature reserve alongside the beautiful River Cam, providing a unique opportunity to contribute directly to local ecological health. Our adjacent nature reserve, bordering this historic waterway, is far more than just a scenic space. It acts as a vital sanctuary and a crucial ecological corridor for local wildlife, supporting a diverse array of species from resident birds and small mammals to vital insect populations. Rivers, by their very nature, are pathways for life, and our reserve ensures a safe haven for creatures to feed, breed, and move freely within an increasingly developed landscape. This living classroom also provides unparalleled opportunities for our students to engage with environmental science first-hand, observing ecological principles in action and developing a profound respect for nature.

Students across Stephen Perse Cambridge have opportunities to engage with the nature reserve. Starting off in our Cambridge EYFS settings pupils have their Forest School sessions in the nature reserve and learn first-hand the importance of nature. In the Senior School, students are able to interact with the reserve through various opportunities, ranging from ‘allotment’ time, to Bioblitz citizen science projects, and using the nature reserve as an educational resource where students learn how to undertake a quadrant sample within geography and biology curriculums.

A significant enhancement to this natural tapestry has been the thoughtful creation of 500 square metres of wildflower areas across our sports fields. Our lead Groundskeeper identified 'unused’ strips within the sports area (along a boundary fence or between playing areas) and planted a mix of wildflower and meadow seeds. While seemingly modest, their impact is immense. These vibrant meadows burst with native wildflowers, providing an essential nectar and pollen source that attracts and sustains a multitude of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. These insects are indispensable for the reproduction of countless plants, many of which are vital to our food supply. By cultivating these mini-habitats, we are not only enhancing the aesthetic appeal of our school grounds but are directly bolstering the foundational elements of our local ecosystem.