Biodiversity resources

There are many educational resources promoting the diversity of life and the importance of conserving it. Below is a list of links to organisations providing these resources, or running biodiversity projects aimed at school-aged children.

ARKive education
This is a free multimedia educational resource with downloadable, ready-to-use modules. They cover a wide range of science and environment-based topics aimed at Key Stages 1–5.

BBC Breathing Places schools
Find out things to do for nature in and around your school environment at different times of the year.

BEAGLE project
The Field Studies Council is inviting schools in the UK to join over 300 schools across Europe by taking part in a big investigation on the phenology (seasonal changes) of 6 common tree species. The results will help us to learn about how trees differ across Europe and the effects of human activity on the environment. To join this exciting project visit the BEAGLE website or send an email.

The Charles Darwin Trust
The Charles Darwin Trust runs Darwin-inspired educational programmes for all Key Stages and Professional Development Courses for teachers.

Cool it Schools 
Cool it Schools runs creative projects and competitions aimed at young people to help solve environmental problems. The latest campaign, Jungle Fever, aims to save rainforests by encouraging us to avoid products that destroy forest habitats.

Great Plant Hunt
Help children explore the natural world by joining the UK's biggest school science project. You can download resources for activities aimed at Key Stages 1 and 2.

The Green Wave
This is a global campaign to encourage school children to plant locally important, native tree species in or near their school grounds. Where possible the trees should be planted on 22 May 2011, which is International Day for Biological Diversity, and watered at 10.00 to create a staggered 'green wave' across the globe.

Growing schools
The Growing schools website has resources to help teachers use the outdoors as a classroom for all ages.

Learning through Landscapes
Make use of information, resources and case studies about how to make the most of your school grounds for outdoor learning and play.

Marine indentification guides
The Marine Life Information Network (MarLIN) has produced waterproof identification guides to support marine life recording. 
If you are interested in marine life, why not join the growing network of marine life recorders? Visit the MarLIN pages on marine life recording to find out more.

Muck In4life stuff for kids
Find out more about fun, healthy ways to enjoy and protect your local environment.

Nature detectives
The nature detectives website, put together by the Woodland Trust, has hundreds of ideas for things children can make and do connected with our natural environment.

One Million Children Outdoors
Whether it's by visiting farms, exploring undersea landscapes, navigating through nature trails or building the Big Wildlife Garden, Natural England wants to get 1 million children outdoors.

OPAL kids zone
The Open Air Laboratories network is a 5-year programme bringing scientists and the public closer together to explore nature. You can take part in national projects, such as the soil and earthworm survey, or regional activities such as spotting tagged garden birds in Birmingham.

Sustainable Schools Conference
The annual conference will be held in June, in four locations - Peak District, Newcastle, London and Bristol - and online, to help you start or continue your sustainability journey.

Trees for Schools
Tree Appeal encourages schools to plant trees and may be able to supply free trees.

UK National Commission for UNESCO
The UK National Commission for UNESCO produced a Biodiversity Information Pack during the International Year for Biodiversity that includes good background information on the importance of biodiversity and the threats to it.

Wild about Plants
A five year project run by Plantlife with surveys and resources for teachers and environmental educators to use wildflowers to encourage children to get outside and engage with the natural world.

Wildlife Watch
Wildlife Watch, the junior branch of The Wildlife Trusts, has information and activities out about UK wildlife and habitats.

World Land Trust Wildlife Focus
Watch videos and webcams situated deep in the  rainforest so you can watch, listen to and learn about the endangered wildlife and unique habitats of South America.