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Useful introduction video on biodiversity as a concept

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Why is biodiversity so important? - Kim Preshoff

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The environmental changes being driven by climate change are disturbing natural habitats and species in ways that are still only becoming clear. There are signs that rising temperatures are affecting biodiversity, while changing rainfall patterns, extreme weather events, and ocean acidification are putting pressure on species already threatened by other human activities.
The threat posed by climate change to biodiversity is expected to increase, yet thriving ecosystems also have the capacity to help reduce the impacts of climate change.

If current rates of warming continue, by 2030 global temperatures could increase by more than 1.5°C (2.7°F) compared to before the industrial revolution. A major impact of climate change on biodiversity is the increase in the intensity and frequency of fires, storms or periods of drought. In Australia at the end of 2019 and start of 2020, 97,000km2 of forest and surrounding habitats were destroyed by intense fires that are now known to have been made worse by climate change. This adds to the threat to biodiversity which has already been placed under stress by other human activities. It is thought that the number of threatened species in the area may have increased by 14% as a result of the fires.

Rising global temperatures also have the potential to alter ecosystems over longer periods by changing what can grow and live within them. There is already evidence to suggest that reductions in water vapour in the atmosphere since the 1990s has resulted in 59% of vegetated areas showing pronounced browning and reduced growth rates worldwide.

Rising temperatures in the oceans affect marine organisms. Corals are particularly vulnerable to rising temperatures and ocean acidification can make it harder for shellfish and corals in the upper ocean to form shells and hard skeletons. We have also seen changes in occurrence of marine algae blooms.
Despite the threats posed by climate change to biodiversity, we also know that natural habitats play an important role in regulating climate and can help to absorb and store carbon. Mangroves are significant sinks for carbon and the Amazon is one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet and is an enormous store of carbon - up to 100 billion tons, although a recent study has suggested the Amazon may now be emitting more carbon than it absorbs. Safeguarding these natural carbon sinks from further damage is an important part of limiting climate change.

To find out more: Past and future decline and extinction of species | Royal Society; Why efforts to address climate change through nature-based solutions must support both biodiversity and people | Royal Society; Amazonia's future: Eden or degraded landscapes? | Royal Society; Evidence & Causes of Climate Change | Royal Society

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How does climate change affect biodiversity? | Royal Society

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The environmental changes being driven by climate change are disturbing natural habitats and species in ways that are still only becoming clear. There are signs that rising temperatures are affecting biodiversity, while changing rainfall patterns, extreme weather events, and ocean acidification are putting pressure on species already threatened by other human activities.

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Eden Project - Sustainable project in the UK with plenty of school resources.

The Eden Project has example lessons as well as possibilities to have virtual workshops which could be used as a starting point for the series of lessons.

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Resources and information for teachers, including planning a school trip to the Eden Project, teacher training, and free lesson plans.

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Case Study 3 - Ideas on how to improve biodiversity

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Case Study 3 - Ideas on how to improve biodiversity

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Different features students can add to their garden

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Around 87% of households in the UK have a garden. According to The Wildlife Trusts, these cover a larger area than all our nature reserves combined.

But an increasing amount of garden space is being lost to hard surfacing, and some of the wildlife that typically visits is struggling.

Even small changes can help. Here are seven easy ways to make your garden a haven for wildlife.

1. Grow butterfly-friendly plants

Adult butterflies and moths will feed on almost any flower's nectar - as will most other pollinators - but their caterpillars are choosy and may only have one or two plant species they'll live on. For example, brimstone butterflies will only feed and lay its eggs on buckthorn bushes.

Planting an array of plant species that flower at different stages of the year will maximise the chances of a variety of butterflies and other insects visiting your garden.

Blackthorn and fruit trees such as plum and apple are good additions to the garden for animals that are active earlier in the year. Species that appear or are still active later in the year might be drawn to ling or ivy. Rotting fruit is also an excellent food source for butterflies.

The different shapes of flowers will attract different insects. The long, thin tubes of honeysuckle are particularly popular with butterflies, and bellflowers and foxgloves are great for bees. Flat flowers such as daisies and wild carrots will also attract these and a number of other insects.

Try to find out what butterfly and moth species are active in your area, and plant what their caterpillar's food plants are to maximise your chances of attracting them.

Discover more butterfly-friendly plants and other ways to help butterflies.

2. Feed the birds

A seed feeder is a quick and simple way to make your garden more attractive to birds. If you're up for some DIY, you could try making a bird feeder out of a reused plastic bottle.

If squirrels are a problem in your area, it might be better to purchase a squirrel-proof feeder instead. These only allow smaller birds access to the food.

The type of food you put in feeders will affect the species visiting your garden. For example, mealworms are popular with insect eaters like sparrows, whereas goldfinches are partial to niger seeds. If you set up a feeder, remember to clean it regularly.

Alternatively, fat balls are a particularly good option for winter, when they need food packed with energy.

3. Get the most from compost

Creating a compost heap in your garden from kitchen waste is a great way to reduce what goes to landfill and will create a minibeast haven. Minibeasts are small invertebrates such as millipedes, woodlice and spiders. These are an excellent source of food for other wildlife.

Worms help to create compost out of leaves and other organic material, and will likely wriggle their way into your compost heap. Spreading home-made compost on your garden will encourage worms wherever it spreads. Worms improve soil drainage and transfer important nutrients to the surface.

Slugs and snails may also be drawn to a compost heap. They are important recyclers, so if you spot them elsewhere in your garden, you can add them to the heap.

Slugs are also a food source for ground beetles and toads, and thrushes will eat snails. Avoid using slug and snail pesticides as these are also poisonous to other wildlife and can cause big problems in drinking water sources.

If you start a compost heap rather than using a bin, be aware that it is a warm spot that animals, including hedgehogs, will choose to hibernate in. If possible, avoid moving compost about during the winter months.

4. Help the creatures of the night

Plenty of wildlife is out in your garden at night, even if you're not awake to see it.

Honeysuckle and evening primrose are night-blooming flowers that release their scents after dark, attracting pollinating insects. There are 18 species of bat living in the UK and night-flying insects are an attractive meal for the insectivores.

You can also help bats by reducing or removing artificial lighting from your garden and around your property.

Hedgehogs are mostly night-time visitors that keep the garden ecosystem balanced. Coordinating with your neighbours to add a hedgehog hole - a gap in garden-dividing fences and walls - will help them get in.

Another way to help hedgehogs is to make them a house for nesting and hibernation.

5. Add water

There are six amphibians native to the UK, including common frogs, smooth newts and common toads. All of them are good pest controllers, feeding on a variety of invertebrates.

Adding a small pond to your garden is a great way to keep these animals happy and may even attract dragonflies in summer when they're active. The insects that gather by water will also be popular with bats.

Ponds don't have to be big, but if you do set one up, make sure it has sloping sides so if other animals fall in, they can get out.

Adding plants such as hornwort will help oxygenate a pond and keep it and its inhabitants healthy. You should avoid including plants that are invasive or not native to the UK.

Instead of a pond, you could keep a shallow, sloping-sided dish filled with water in the garden for birds. This offers both fresh drinking water and a bath. You will need to keep the water topped up and refill the dish every so often to keep it fresh.

6. Create a woodpile and leave the leaf litter

Some animals, such as butterflies and wasps, use woodpiles as a place to hide and to hibernate through the colder months. You might even find slow worms, newts, frogs and toads sheltering between the logs, as well as a number of minibeasts.

Larger logs with the bark still attached work best, placed in an area that's neither constantly sunny nor always in the shade. Even a single log partially buried provides a good habitat.
Find out how to make a log pile and what wildlife it will help
In autumn, most gardens are carpeted with a layer of fallen leaves. Piles of leaf litter can be an attractive spot for hedgehogs to hibernate, keeping them warm and dry. It's best to not to tidy the leaves up in winter to avoid disturbing any hibernators.

Additionally, once leaves start to decay, they provide important nutrients for the soil. If you want the best chance of a green garden in summer, it's best to leave the leaves. Mulch also protects against frost in winter and drought in summer, and encourages mycorrhizal fungi, which are important for plant nutrition.

7. Let things grow a little wild

UK homeowners often go for paved patios, fake grass and over-manicured lawns, but sometimes just letting the grass grow a is exactly what wildlife needs. But you don't need to let it overwhelm you.

Create a variety of habitats in your garden by leaving some parts of your lawn unmown. Longer grass is a good spot for insects, including skipper butterflies, to lay their eggs. You could try having longer grass with mowed paths or a clear area for picnics.

Longer grass provides shelter, creating a microclimate under the stalks. Not mowing also allows flowers to bloom, which helps bees. Yarrow is found in many lawns but needs more time than other plants before it flowers.

But having some mown areas is helpful for animals that feed on animals like worms, such as blackbirds and robins.

Some wild plants can take over - what are often referred to as weeds - but these are an important part of the ecosystem. Dandelions are an excellent source of nectar for insects. Some caterpillars will only feed on plants such as nettles, thistles and ragwort, so it's a good idea to keep some in the garden but to restrict them to a small area. Nettles can even be planted in a pot to stop them from spreading.
More tips on how to grow a lawn that's better for wildlife

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Seven simple ways to create a wildlife-friendly garden

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From feeding birds to leaving the leaf litter, find out how you can help urban nature and attract more wildlife to your garden

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Twycross Zoo has conservation projects as well as some sustainable projects and policies such as sustainable palm oil.

Using local zoos (which students may have visited with family or on a school trip) can be a good way to link what students are familiar with to sustainability and the environment.

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Unfortunately, we live in a world where many species of both plants and animals are on the brink of extinction. Zoos form a global community that work together to maximise impact on global conservation. Twycross Zoo - East Midland Zoological Society, is part of this global community that contributes to conservation in many ways.

Our In-situ Conservation Fund has contributed to conservation and welfare programmes in dozens of countries around the world, supporting over 55 projects since 2006. Some of these include Ape Action Africa in Cameroon, Lola ya Bonobo in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Borneo Nature Foundation International in Borneo.

Zoo Programmes

We support field projects through our expertise in the health and welfare of animals and by raising public awareness of their plight in the wild. We breed a wide range of endangered species and are members of European and International organisations, including British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), and The Great Ape Survival Partnership (GRASP).

Breeding Programmes

We currently have around 80 species, many of which are enrolled in conservation breeding programmes which aim to prevent extinction of endangered species that can't survive in the wild due to loss of habitat or poaching. These programmes also support important research carried out by animal experts and educating the wider population. To find out more, explore the conservation project page or email us at conservation@twycrosszoo.org

Zoo Conservation at Twycross Zoo

Our conservation programme includes a variety of elements, including breeding programmes, other environment conservation projects, wildlife research, and more. So, if you're looking to teach your little one about animals, then book your ticket today and come visit our amazing animals. We also offer school trips for educating children on the different animal conservation elements carried out at Twycross Zoo.

Conservation in Action

Here at Twycross Zoo we aim to not only show our visitors and the wider community how they can help conserve habitats and animals, but we also strive to achieve this in our actions.

To find out about our current campaigns, follow the links below...

Mobile Phone Recycling for the Wildlife in Africa Conservation In Action Conservation Projects Sustainable Palm Oil Palm Oil Policy Sustainable Fish Research at Twycross Zoo WAZA Nature Connect Grant

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Unfortunately, we live in a world where many species of both plants and animals are on the brink of extinction. Zoos form a global community that work together to maximise impact on global conservation. Twycross Zoo - East Midland Zoological Society, is part of this global community that contributes to conservation in many ways.

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1) Understand what Climate Change is.
2) Describe the effects of Climate Change
3) Investigate different methods to combatting Climate Change

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Video explaining Biodiversity, followed by AfL activity whereby students will answer questions based on the video on whiteboards or via cold calling (depending on school resources).

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Discussion and debate (improving oracy)

Effective questioning

Peer to peer dialogue

Experimental design and experimental safety

Peer to peer discussion

Modelling and instruction of project

Encouraging inquiry

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Students will learn about ecological sampling and the idea of using quadrats. This will help with the activity of observing plant and animal life.

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Sampling is a type of scientific surveying. Find out more with Bitesize. For students between the ages of 11 and 14.

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1) Understand what biodiversity is
2) Understand biodiversity on a global and local scale
3) Describe and design methods to improve biodiversity

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Outline of the project plan for each group

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A design of an animal home, that will encourage an increase in population of a target species

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Be able to work collaboratively as a class to create a mind map that has multiple strategies to help the environment, whilst discussing and debating the topic of climate change and biodiversity.

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Names: Anakin Newbigging, Kate Goodwin, Matt Flavell, Anjali Philip, Jodie Jackman

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Names: Anakin Newbigging, Kate Goodwin, Matt Flavell, Anjali Philip, Jodie Jackman

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Group 1 Science
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1. Climate Change and Biodiversity Introduction

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1. Climate Change and Biodiversity Introduction

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Draw upon student's prior knowledge and get them to talk about the topic (including good and bad points), prompted by images. Define for the students Biodiversity and Climate Change. (15 mins)

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Provide examples of successful conservation projects/efforts both locally and globally to provide more information about ways to improve human activities.
This will incorporates analysis of literature and give inspiration for their own conservation efforts.

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Subject: Science (Biology)
Group: KS3
Learning Objective: Introduce students to the idea of biodiversity and how they can improve the biodiversity of their school grounds by providing ideas on improving habitat variation to support wildlife
Idea: The aim of this activity day to allow students to consider the impacts plant life and student created structures have on biodiversity and what they can do as students to create an environment that is suitable for a wider array of plant and animal life

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A project that can be done across a year group. Aimed at Key Stage 3, to be tied in with the curriculum regarding issues of biodiversity, conservation and climate change. Applicable for any abilities, and any school types whether that is rural or inner city.

We have designed this so that it can be used in an urban school with low additional resources, finance and limited access to green space i.e. a field that has a low biodiversity or a small grassy area at the side of a school.

Due to the context chosen we assume little to no experience with wildlife and green spaces and little knowledge of biodiversity and the effects climate change has as to allow everyone an equal access to the learning

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HPA - Insect identification guide

OPAL- Identification guide

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LA - Insect identification guide

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Walk around the school ground with a key and identify plant life and animal life that can be seen within the school grounds. Further, students can use small quadrats to observe plant and animal life in small spaces.

(If available use tablets with the PlantNet app to identify plants)

(45 mins)

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3. Introducing what we can do to improve biodiversity

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3. Introducing what we can do to improve biodiversity

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Start the second lesson off by recalling what was observed in the previous lesson. Students should then use case studies (perhaps on handouts or on slides) to think about how biodiverse their school grounds were, whether the biodiversity around the school is enough and what might encourage more biodiversity. Looking at the case studies to provide examples of what has been previously successful. (10-15 mins)

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Get the class to create a mind map of ways that they can help the environment. Students should debate the pros and cons of the different ways they can tackle climate change. Then get each person to add to a class mind map. The teacher should photograph and give it out as a handout next lesson.

(20 mins)

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Introduce the project students will be undertaking, outline the task and what they have to create (provide an example produced by a teacher) and outline expectations of outcomes and areas to think about.

The school is looking to improve the biodiversity of the school grounds and needs the students' help to design the area. Put students into groups of 4-6 students (so ~5-7 groups).

Students will refer to the mind map created to show links between tasks and then allow students what they would like to add to the nature garden. They will be provided with the costs of all these improvements.

They will choose the plants and structures to fit a budget and calculate how much the materials will cost.

They will then create a project plan in a medium of choice (this could be a 3D model, a poster, a presentation or any appropriate method of presenting their ideas.

(30 mins, students may continue research while working on their project)

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This task is to reflect on the biodiversity of your school grounds and consider the needs of all animals within the area and how you might encourage diversity

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Before considering the design

Identify a location for the garden

Find plans of the chosen site, available from the LEA, to determine whether there are any services underneath the surface, or contaminants from previous land use that you should be aware of

​Look at legal, technical, safety guidelines and school policy documents as required

Consider when you want the garden to be completed by, and produce an action plan

Establish a group to move the project forwards and decide who will project manage the design and building of the garden and who will maintain it later

Incorporate the project into the school development plan

Find out if any of the skills needed exist in the school community, parents, governors or the friends/PTA, for example gardeners, garden designers or builders

Share the vision. Engage everyone in the school community - managers, staff, parents and pupils. Make everyone aware of the potential of a school garden and the benefits your school will gain from using it

Establish the orientation of the site (N, S, E and W). This will influence what will grow there

Survey the site - walk around it, see what you have there. Are there paths or sheds you need to keep? Are there any plants that could still be used? What trees do you have? Check to see if any of the trees are protected by preservation orders or are in a conservation area

Ensure risk assessments are completed before any work is started in the garden. Use our example of a risk assessment which will give you guidance.

Designing your school garden

Get the children involved in carrying out a survey to see what they want.
Look at your site. How big is it? What type of soil do you have (clay, sand or silt, etc)? How much of the garden is in light or shade? How much moisture is there? Are there any permanent features which you will have to work around?

Establish the purpose of the garden. Is it to attract wildlife or to become an environmental area? Do you want to grow produce or herbs? Is it to be a sensory garden? Is it to provide shade? Will it be to teach certain subjects outdoors such as science, geography, maths or English? Will it be for pupils, staff, parents and the local community to use? Or is it for a memorial garden that needs a calming and quiet feel?

While deciding the purpose of the garden why not look at ideas of different vegetables, fruit, herbs and edible flowers that could be grown. You can also find a list of sensory plants and plants for wildlife to grow, using our guides.

Decide on shape and position of planting beds
Narrow beds (no more than 120cm in width) are good for children as they can reach the middle for planting and weeding from both sides without compacting the soil. If the beds are only accessible from one side then they should be no more than 60cm in width. Consider if raised beds are more suitable for your school garden. See this guide on creating raised beds, so you can plan them into the garden if suitable.

Incorporate sustainability into the garden design

Try to include a compost heap and water butt.

Will it be organic? Chemicals are best avoided where there is the possibility of children either attempting to eat plant parts or putting fingers in their mouths. Be cautious if using animal manures as fertilisers. Liquid plant feeds can be made from nettles or comfrey. Use our example of a risk assessment which will give you guidance on these topics.

Can you recycle anything to use in your garden to make a feature?
Old tree stumps can be sculptured to provide a focal point.
Reuse items such as containers in which plants can be grown.

Choose plants suitable for your site and conditions. This may take a little more time, but it will be worth it in the long run and you will not have the disappointment of sickly or dead plants. For example if you have a very dry, sunny and warm garden you could create a dry garden. Alternatively if you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland and parts of Northern England and Wales you can use this guide on winter vegetables for northern climates to plan your autumn and winter terms gardening.

Consider those with special needs in your design

The priority is to design entrances, outdoor paths and hard surfaces to accommodate as full a range of special needs as possible and to ensure that children are not denied access to any of the opportunities and activities that the garden offers. Distance is also an important consideration for children with limited stamina, and there should be things of interest in the school grounds that are near to the school building.

Use a combination of surfaces with different textures as you move from one area to another in the garden. This aids orientation for partially sighted people and also makes the garden more interesting.

Make the paths wide enough for wheelchairs (at least 120cm or 180cm so that two wheelchairs can pass). Consider carefully what materials are used for the surfaces of the paths, they need to be firm, even and nonslip. Self-binding gravel is less harsh than tarmac or concrete. Find out more information about how to garden with special needs.

Implementing your plan

Clear the site of weeds and rubbish. Be careful at this stage if you involve children. There may be hidden dangers. Be aware of potentially harmful plants when gardening and ensure gloves are always worn. Try to involve the children as much as possible in the garden build as this helps them form a feeling of ownership and care towards it.

Make sure labels with the names of the plants are written in a large, easy-to-read font, in lower case and if necessary also in Braille. You could get the children to make the labels or signs. For added interest include the common name and Latin name of the plant, plus what it may be called elsewhere in the world.

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Identify a location for the garden Find plans of the chosen site, available from the LEA, to determine whether there are any services underneath the surface, or contaminants from previous land use that you should be aware of ​Look at legal, technical, safety guidelines and school policy documents as required

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Students go about using resources provided by the school, electronic devices or resources from home to create presentation resources for their ideas to improve the school's biodiversity and sustainability.

Students should engage in their research and planning to identify methods to improve biodiversity.

Their project should be cost-effective and appealing to a school leader. Their project should be innovative but reasonable for a school context.

Engage with students throughout the time to make sure everyone participates, knows what their project is and has a designated role within their group.

(1-2 hours)

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Students will learn what climate change is and how this impacts biodiversity on a local and global scale. Students then will have to observe their school environment and analyse the local biodiversity, with the aim to design a project that will improve and enhance this.

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Students will be required to present their projects (regardless of format) as a group to their class. They will present their plans and ideas, but will be expected to scientifically justify their decision making. Each presentation would be approximately 5minutes long.

(50-60 mins)

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Students will learn what are green house gases and their effects, including being provided with explanations of the human contribution to climate change. This provides an opportunity to address any misconceptions the students may have on climate change and the effects including global warming and the impact it has on biodiversity.

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Within every group, there will be a mix of reactions to the subject. In an example group of 15- 1 will not care about climate change at all, 2 will be a little worried and about 4 will be highly worried about climate change.

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The Economist is connecting scientists with schools for online talks

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May 26, 2016 · Art and craft Animal habitats. 4.9K views 6 years ago. Langile Ikastola. Langile Ikastola. 324 ...
Duration: 6:01
Posted: May 26, 2016

Dec 9, 2020 · ksproductionstv Host Jenny Barnett Rohrs makes a 2D diorama of animal habitats. Join Jenny ...
Duration: 7:09
Posted: Dec 9, 2020

Washington DC (Hagerstown MD), Virginia

From your IP address - Learn more

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Please click here if you are not redirected within a few seconds. May 26, 2016 · Art and craft Animal habitats. 4.9K views 6 years ago. Langile Ikastola. Langile Ikastola. 324 ...Duration: 6:01 Posted: May 26, 2016 Dec 9, 2020 · ksproductionstv Host Jenny Barnett Rohrs makes a 2D diorama of animal habitats.

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Using the information learned in the nature walk and student projects, pick a way to improve the school grounds (vegetable patch, pond, sensory garden etc)- to be carried on beyond the scheme of work so that the students can make an impact on the school and see improvements over time. Can be paired with an eco-club or similar.