Dereham Northgate High School wins biodiversity award

Northgate High School’s Orchard Committee has bagged the Young Peoples Achievement accolade at the Norfolk Community Biodiversity Awards held on June 23.

Two pupils and a teacher from the committee proudly accepted the framed winner’s certificate from category sponsor, Lanpro, at the ceremony held at The Forum, Norwich.

The award is said to be in recognition of the committee's dedication over years, nurturing pupils, cultivating nature, and reaching out to their local community.

The school's Orchard Committee meets once a week after school in The Orchard, a special outdoor area within the school grounds.

This area houses seven Norfolk heritage apple trees, a growing wildflower area, and a mini tree nursery cultivated by pupils.

Over the past year, the group has initiated a number of environment-focused projects.

These include planting a hedgerow, participating in a BioBlitz event at Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse, and most recently, constructing a massive insect accommodation, affectionately named Bugingham Palace.

A grand total of 26 nominations across six categories were judged in the Norfolk Community Biodiversity Awards, making the decision-making process challenging.

Young achievers win big with bio-diversity efforts (Image: Submitted)

Famous naturalist, conservationist, and presenter, Nick Acheson, gave the key note speech, highlighting the critical role young people play in curbing biodiversity loss.

There were 26 nominations across six categories (Image: Submitted)

Katie Theobald, the guiding force of the group at the school, said: "The Orchard at Northgate not only allows our students to learn new skills and work with others, but also to connect with nature and have a positive impact on biodiversity.

"The award recognises the hard work put in by a dedicated group of students over the past couple of years.

Pupils made a a massive insect accommodation, affectionately named 'Bugingham Palace' (Image: Submitted)

"It was lovely to be at an event where so many inspiring projects were being recognised."