Awarded Bronze Wilder Kent Awards
The Malling School are proud to announce that we have won bronze at this year’s Wilder Kent Awards for our hard work in helping to create a Wilder Kent.
The Wilder Kent Awards were set up by Kent Wildlife Trust in 2020 as a way of recognising and rewarding the positive actions that groups across Kent are taking in order to protect wildlife and safeguard nature for future generations.
Now in its 3rd year, 2023 saw the Wilder Kent Awards gain over 65 entries from groups and organisations across the county and The Malling School are proud to be part of a growing army in the fight against the nature and climate crisis.
Background to the Wilder Kent Awards
The natural world isn't just something for us to enjoy; it sustains us. The decline of nature puts our very survival and prosperity under threat. But it doesn't have to be like this; together we can create a Wilder Kent.
The Wilder Kent Awards is a scheme set up to recognise and reward the work schools and community groups are doing in helping us create a #WilderKent. By taking positive actions to restore nature, they are helping to create a more climate-resilient county and provide a home for wildlife. Their action benefits us locally and helps tackle the global environmental threats we all face.
These awards are open to schools, colleges, universities, community groups and villages, towns and cities across the county. They acknowledge the hard work and action taken to create a Wilder Kent whilst ensuring that people and wildlife co-exist for future generations.
The awards are free to enter, with the actions split into 3 separate categories: 1. Protect Wildlife; 2. Sustainability and Carbon Reduction and 3. Engage with Nature.
The facts behind the categories
Protect Wildlife
• Around 3/4 of crops require pollination by insects. The Wildlife Trusts
• 41% of insects face extinction. wildlifetrusts.org/take-action-insects
• 30 to 50% of all species could be extinct by mid-century. dosomething.org/us/
Sustainability and Carbon reduction
• The average hamburger takes 2,400 litres of water to produce. sumas.ch/sustainability-statistics
• Lighting accounts for 15% of global electricity use. Switching to LEDs will use 90% less energy and last longer than standard lights. sumas.ch/sustainability-facts/
• Decomposing matter in landfills produces methane gas up to 34 times more powerful than CO2, contributing to climate change. sumas.ch/sustainability-facts/
• Recycling one ton of paper saves 2,548 litres of oil, 26,498 litres of water and 2.5 cubic metres of landfill space. sumas.ch/sustainability-facts/
• Recycling one ton of paper saves 17 trees. sumas.ch/sustainability-facts/
Engage with nature
• 95% of participants with low levels of mental wellbeing when they started a Wildlife Trust programme reported an improvement in their mental health in six weeks. A Natural Health Service Report 2019
• Of 87 schools, 92% reported outdoor learning improved pupil health and wellbeing and engaged pupils with learning. Natural Connections Project, LOtC
• Of 448 pupils, 90% reported they felt happier and healthier. Natural Connections Project, LOtC
Benefits to entering the Wilder Kent Awards
- Help tackle ‘Nature deficit disorder’.
- Improve your health and well-being, physically and mentally.
- Personal satisfaction that you have made a real difference.
- Safeguard nature and wildlife for future generations.
- Enjoy new experiences and learn new life and craft skills.
- Spend time in the fresh air and appreciate nature.
Quotes
Tom White – Education Officer at Kent Wildlife Trust
“It’s great to see so many schools and groups across Kent taking positive action for nature and wildlife. The climate and nature crisis is THE single biggest threat this planet faces and these awards help to raise awareness in our communities whilst also helping to safeguard nature and create a more sustainable future.”
Keeley Atkinson – Head of People and Place at Kent Wildlife Trust
“We are immensely proud of how much the awards have grown over the last few years and we look forward to introducing our Wilder Kent Awards for businesses in the near future, which will further enhance the network of organisations across the county who are taking positive action for nature and creating a Wilder Kent.”
About Kent Wildlife Trust
Kent Wildlife Trust is the county’s leading conservation charity with more than 31,000 members and over 1000 registered volunteers. We manage and protect over 9000 acres of land across more than 80 different sites and nature reserves, alongside 3 visitor centres.
We work closely with local communities, landowners and partners to protect and improve habitats in the countryside, coast and town for the benefit of the wildlife and people of Kent.
The charity also campaigns against inappropriate and damaging development; and educates and inspires young people to help secure a more sustainable future and create a Wilder Kent.