Happiness Hive: Growing a Greener Future

Aim

To create a sustainable outdoor learning and biodiversity space focused on climate action and conservation.

At Coltishall Primary School, we have a special wooden wellbeing cabin called the Happiness Hive. It is already a calm, inclusive space where children can go at playtimes if they need friendship, quiet, support or a break from the busier playground.

But the land around it tells a different story.

For much of the year, the area becomes muddy, worn and waterlogged. It sits in shade, takes heavy footfall and is difficult to use well. An old bandstand nearby has also reached the end of its life. Rather than simply clearing the area, we want to turn this problem into something powerful: a practical, child-led example of sustainability in action.

The Friends of Coltishall Primary School is a volunteer-led charity working with the school to create opportunities that enrich children’s learning, wellbeing and sense of belonging. We have already helped support the Happiness Hive itself. Solar panels, lighting and battery storage have been installed, meaning the Hive is now self-sufficient for electricity and operates as a low-carbon wellbeing space.

Now we want to take the next step: transforming the outdoor area around the Hive into a climate-resilient wellbeing garden and outdoor learning space.

Our vision is for children to see, touch and use sustainability every day. The project would include:

• Rainwater harvesting from the Hive to water planting and teach children about water conservation.
• Reused timber from the old bandstand to create benches, planters and seating.
• Permeable, sustainable surfacing to reduce mud, protect the ground and make the area usable all year.
• Pollinator-friendly planting, shade-tolerant plants and wildlife habitats to increase biodiversity.
• Child-led care of the space through our Happiness Heroes, play leaders and pupil groups.

This would not be an abstract “eco project”. It would be a living classroom.

Children would learn about renewable energy, water recycling, biodiversity, reuse of materials and environmental responsibility through something they can experience every day. They would help plant it, care for it, explain it to others and see how small sustainable choices can change a place for the better.

The space would also support wellbeing. It would provide a calm, enclosed garden for individuals, pairs and small groups — a peaceful area for reflection, nurture work, friendship support and quiet connection with nature.

With support, we can turn a tired, muddy corner of our school into a thriving, low-carbon outdoor space where children learn that looking after the planet and looking after ourselves belong together.

This project will create a lasting legacy for our pupils, families, volunteers and wider community — one rooted in sustainability, wellbeing and hope.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 15th July 2026 at 8:00pm