School pupils and fold residents team up to support their 'wild' neighbours

AN innovative programme has paired up Radius Independent Living scheme with local primary schools to build intergenerational relationships and knowledge whilst boosting biodiversity and supporting the natural environment.

The programme, which was run by Radius with support from Keep NI Beautiful, increases biodiversity skills through educational and hands-on workshops.Activities include biodiversity audits, bird boxes and identification, bug boxes and minibeasts, hedgehog boxes, composters and planting pollinator friendly plans and fruit trees.

For primary schools these activities enhance biodiversity and outdoor learning topics on their International Eco-Schools Green Flag Journey and for Independent Living Schemes it helps build evidence for their Community Green Flag award. Last year 6 primary schools and schemes participated in the programme, and for 2025/26 three schools and schemes are participating.

Speaking about the programme Stephanie Burns, Scheme Co-ordinator at Maine Fold in Randalstown said “This project was an immense success with our residents and the local school children. The residents enjoyed learning more about the environment around them, installing the wildlife camera and watching what happens when the lights go down! 

“The residents also enjoyed our visit to the primary school where we worked with the children to make bug hotels. It was lovely for the children to then join us at the fold for a celebration event where they got to help place the bug hotels around the garden. 

“The staff from KNIB were exceptional with both the children and resident’s working alongside them giving knowledge and also their invaluable help with the planting of our pollinator friendly plants and shrubs.  The relationships that have been formed through this project will undoubtedly continue long after the end of this project. ”

Anna Green, KNIB added: “Bringing our youth and more senior members of the community together to explore and appreciate the natural world around them has been an invaluable experience for all. Pupils and residents alike have learnt new things about the wealth of biodiversity we have on our doorstep but more importantly have connected with nature and each other.”

Supporting Our Wild Neighbours programme is supported by the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme.

The Programme has its origins in the NI Executive Together: Building a United Community Strategy.

A potential £2.4m will be invested in the Antrim shared housing development and associated five-year Good Relations Plan’

Antrim Good Relations Plan includes ‘Bridging’ events which are delivered to the wider community to encourage a range of good relations outcomes which include Health and Wellbeing, Education and Training.