PUPILS at four Poole schools are celebrating making outstanding improvements to their school’s environment.

Bearwood Primary and Nursery School, Lilliput CE VC Infant School, Merley First School and Springdale First School have all won the Schools Environment Award.

The Borough of Poole initiative encourages children to learn about, care for and enjoy the environment, as well as celebrate sustainable healthy living.

There are six steps to achieve the award which covers the natural world, waste and recycling, healthy living, transport, litter and blowing their trumpet.

Bearwood and Springdale obtained silver and Lilliput and Merley the gold level of the award.

The green-fingered pupils received their award plaques from Cllr Xena Dion, cabinet portfolio holder for the environment.

Improvements have been made to school environments including regular litter surveys and clean-ups, pond renovation, installation of compost bins and the completion of a survey to establish suitable places for the storage of scooters and bicycles.

Youngsters have also been busy making bird feeders and nest boxes which have proved popular with nesting birds.

The award scheme has grown since its launch in 2007 with 16 schools now proudly displaying the plaque.

Schools working toward this year’s award include Longfleet CE VC Primary and Old Town Infant and Nursery.

For more, visit boroughofpoole.com/schoolsenvironmentaward or email environment@poole.

gov.uk.