Schools to get thousands

Thousands of pounds worth of Lottery grants have been handed out to schools and councils across Dudley and Wyre Forest for environmental projects.

Schools in Dudley, Stourbridge and Halesowen are being given Big Lottery Fund money to transform open spaces for the benefit of people and wildlife.

The best projects could feature on BBC programmes Autumnwatch or Springwatch presented by Bill Oddie later in the year. Among those getting help is Netherbrook Primary School, Dudley.

It has received £10,000 to create a mini-Beast trail and landscaping work. Lutley Primary School, Halesowen, has £9,900 to build a storytelling area with 1,000 plants, sculptures and signs designed by pupils.

St Joseph's Primary School, Stourbridge, has £7,950 to form a gardening club and quiet area and St James's C of E Primary School, Wollaston, has £2,000 to help move its existing environmental area.

Stourport-on-Severn Town Council has £6,788 to create a boardwalk over wetland improving access to Moor Hall.

The BBC-led Breathing Places campaign is the inspiration behind the funding.

The campaign, driven by BBC's Autumnwatch and now Springwatch, inspired thousands to get involved in projects making space for nature.

Now a new batch of Lottery grants has been released to help create green spaces which encourage wildlife, nature and community involvement.

Big Lottery Fund head of West Midlands region John Taylor said: "This is such an exciting initiative which has clearly struck a chord with so many people across the West Midlands." BBC's Springwatch, which tries to bring people will showcase some of the successful projects.

More information about Breathing Places is at www.bbc.co.uk/breathing places or www.biglotteryfund.org.uk

By Ben Lammas