Hengistbury Head Centre

Although not a school, the Centre has tried to adopt the principles of the scheme followed by schools to improve their environmental performance. They are working towards the Eco Centres award and have carried out an audit of where they are at present in relation to grounds, water, energy, waste and purchasing policy. They have developed an Eco Code which states what the centre is doing in order to help the environment.

They have developed the grounds to include contrasting habitats which visiting groups can then study as part of their work in science e.g. in qca units of study - habitats, plants and animals in the local environment, adaptation and interdependence, and ecosystems. There are also map trails around the grounds. By developing their grounds it reduces the pressure on the sensitive nature reserve of Hengistbury Head.

The habitats that have been developed include 2 large freshwater teaching ponds, and 1 'sanctuary pond'. There is a spring flowering meadow, a summer flowering meadow, piles of logs for minibeasts and a wild flower area. Quiet seating areas have been created in several places for reflective activities and also for shelter during lunch times. There is a living 'willow seat', a log bench, and stone benches made from old kerbstones. Some of these stone benches have been arranged in a circle and look like a miniature 'stone henge' and is called the 'magic circle'. There is also a large round ring affectionately called the 'doughnut'. This winter the area known as the 'secret garden' has been enclosed further by planting with holly, gorse and dog rose and willow planted alongside the entrance to eventually form a willow tunnel when it has grown.

As well as trying to improve the centre grounds, the centre has also tried to reduce waste. They have developed a recycling policy, and have created a recycling centre. Here paper, plastic, cans and glass can be put into large wheelie bins. Every classroom and office has a recycling box. There are composters in which grass cuttings, pond weed, and fruit peelings can be put. The Centre has also introduced a 'Lunch box Challenge' to schools willing to participate. Waste is collected from lunch boxes from schools who stay all day, and weighed to get an amount of waste per pupil. The results are kept and at the end of each term, the class that produced the least amount of waste per pupil will receive a small prize.

Other things that the centre has done include collecting water in water butts supplied by Stewarts garden lands. This water is fed into the ponds to reduce the need for topping them up with nutrient rich tap water which encourages the growth of blanket weed. Signs in the toilets and showers encourage people to try and save water by turning off taps etc.
Similarly, signs by the light switches encourage people to switch them off as they leave, and low energy, day light tubes are used. The Centre purchases recycled products as far as possible.