News
16 February 2026

Inspiring Biodiversity in Bromley Schools

Leading the Way for One of London’s Greenest Boroughs

As part of our devotion to improving urban biodiversity, BEECHE (High Elms, Bromley) recently partnered with local schools to educate the next generation on our natural landscapes.

Environmental Educational Instructors Eleanor Denniss and Nuala led a series of fascinating assemblies at Harris Primary Academy Beckenham Green and Harris Primary Academy Orpington.

The goal was to show that “natural” environments support our local ecosystem better than short grass ones.

Why Nature-Friendly Verges Matter

In modern urban management, there is often a preference for short, pristine grass and simple bedding plants. However, these “tidy” areas offer little support for wildlife. By introducing nature-friendly verges and sustainable beds, we create vital “stepping stones” for invertebrates.

Bromley School talk-4
Bromley School talk-1

Key benefits of these areas include:

  • Biodiversity Boost: Supplying habitats for essential pollinators, among them bees, butterflies, grasshoppers and more.
  • Ecosystem Support: A healthy invertebrate population supports larger animals, including local birds and small mammals.
  • Perspective Shift: Helping the public move away from the “short-cut grass” aesthetic and towards appreciating the beauty of long, natural grassland. Especially in areas of low footfall and often not used.

Educational Impact and Assessable Outcomes

The sessions reached over 375 children across Years 1 to 6. By using larger-than-life models and even some live insects, our instructors made the science of ecosystems tangible and memorable.

Following the talk, Harris Primary Orpington were inspired to create a nature-friendly verge on school grounds. This project will help reinforce the lessons acquired during the assembly.

Feedback from the Classrooms

Max Ellington, Head teacher at Harris Beckenham Green, said: “I just wanted to say thank you for our assembly this week. The children had a brilliant time and learned a lot! We were delighted to welcome BEECHE into our school today to educate children on the importance of preserving grass areas and protecting wild insects. Eleanor explained how vital each insect is as part of our ecosystem and even treated us to a close-up look at some real ones. What an amazing and memorable experience for everyone – truly a treat.”

Debra, Teacher at Harris Primary Orpington, said: “Our year 4 and 5 pupils loved their special assembly with visitors from BEECHE. They learned the simple steps which can be taken to protect and nurture our local environment and had the chance to meet some Mini beauties.”

Bromley School talk-3
Bromley School talk-2

Future Thinking:

By leading by example in Bromley, we hope to inspire other London boroughs to see the value in their urban green spaces. Whether it is a school field or a roadside verge, every patch of long grass is a win for people and nature.

Get in touch today to discover more about our Nature-based solutions in your space

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