Schools to Get Wildflower Seeds for King’s Coronation Celebration
All state-funded primary schools across England will receive wildflower seeds to mark the Coronation, inspired by His Majesty The King’s passion for nature. This green initiative aims to boost biodiversity and get kids connecting with the great outdoors.
Wildflowers for Classrooms and School Grounds
- The government is teaming up with the Eden Project to send over 200,000 seed packets to schools.
- These seeds will create wildflower meadows covering 40 hectares – roughly the size of 40 rugby pitches.
- The flowers include native species like cornflower, corn poppy, and corn marigold, set to bloom this summer if sown this spring.
- The colourful blooms will attract bees, butterflies, and other vital pollinators to school grounds.
- By planting wildflowers, schools will improve green spaces that support children’s wellbeing and education.
Learning Resources to Mark Historic Coronation
Alongside the green push, the Department for Education has launched lesson plans explaining the Coronation’s history. Two history teachers helped develop materials to teach kids about the monarchy’s significance.
The charity Living Paintings also created tactile and audio packs for blind and partially sighted children to experience the Coronation story. Eden Project offers free lessons on making eco-friendly Coronation decorations from natural materials found locally.
Looking Ahead: National Education Nature Park and Climate Action
The planting project is part of a bigger plan: the National Education Nature Park. This virtual park connects schools and education providers to track biodiversity efforts and inspire more nature projects over time.
Schools can join the Nature Park and sign up for the Climate Action Award, open from 18 May 2023.
Schools Minister Nick Gibb said: “Giving children the chance to plant wildflowers will brighten school grounds and teach the next generation the importance of biodiversity, while celebrating His Majesty The King’s love of nature.
We’ve provided history experts’ lesson plans so young people can understand the historical importance of the Coronation.”
Dan James, Eden Project Development Director, added: “Even small steps can boost biodiversity. This project lets children see how wildflowers help wildlife and connect people with nature.
By encouraging kids to plant seeds, we can help reverse the decline of pollinators that are so crucial for our future.”
Green Education for a Sustainable Future
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport also produced a special film for primary schools about the Coronation’s history to show in classes or assemblies.
This wildflower project and the wider Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy aim to equip young people with the knowledge and skills for a greener economy and a net-zero future through education.
