The Black Country River Schools project is an innovative education and infrastructure initiative that connects children and their communities to the hidden wonders of their local rivers. Focused on urban areas in the Black Country, this project aims to empower young people to discover, appreciate, and protect their river environments while transforming school spaces into greener, more biodiverse places.
Inspiring Young Minds and Wellbeing
For many children growing up in urban areas of the West Midlands, opportunities to engage with nature, and particularly rivers, are limited. Through this project, five schools are taking part in a range of activities, including assemblies, classroom-based workshops, riverside visits, and community celebrations. These immersive experiences not only build knowledge and skills but also nurture physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
Greener Schools, Stronger Communities
In addition to the educational programme, the project delivers tangible biodiversity improvements on school grounds, helping to make them greener and more sustainable. Children are at the heart of these changes, joining our team to:
- Plant trees
- Build rain planters
- Design rain gardens
These activities not only improve the schools’ ecological footprint but also equip pupils with the skills and knowledge to bring similar improvements to their local communities.
Tackling Flood Risk and Supporting Biodiversity
School sites often have significant areas of hard surfaces and roofs that contribute to surface water discharge. By implementing sustainable drainage solutions such as rain gardens and green roof shelters, the project is actively reducing surface water flooding risks in these schools. This is an essential step as climate change increases the threat of flooding across the UK.
With expertise in river restoration and biodiversity enhancement, the Severn Rivers Trust team is uniquely placed to lead these site improvements. Meanwhile, our Community Engagement team brings rivers to life for young learners, creating an unforgettable journey of discovery.
Achievements So Far
The Black Country River Schools project is making a real difference, with achievements to date including:
- Engaging 2,000 children
- Planting 500 trees
- Creating new habitats, such as hedges, ponds, rain planters, and green roof shelters
This blend of learning and practical river-friendly interventions is giving children the chance to thrive, both in and outside the classroom. By fostering a deeper connection to their environment, we are helping to shape the next generation of river guardians.
