SGC works with both urban and rural school environments in the process of developing school grounds.

• school grounds are important to young
  people
• they carry important messages and meanings
• they influence peoples' attitude and behaviour
• conservation is important for Britain's ecology & biodiversity

What are the benefits of high quality grounds development ?

• increased achievement and enhanced
  learning outcomes
• improved behaviour and attitude, with reduced bullying, accidents and vandalism
• additional resources for the formal curriculum, informal play and community involvement
• enhanced quality of the environment, appearance, image and popularity of schools
• development of positive whole school ethos; promoting care, ownership and responsibility within the whole school community
• conservation of biodiversity

Key Principles of SGC's school grounds development

• Holistic - taking everything into account and creating coherence and integrity
• Participative - empowering children, adults and community members in all aspects of the planning process and practical implementation
• Sustainable - involving the long term use, design, management and maintenance of grounds in such a way as to preserve options for future generations. In addition, key tests such as biodiversity conservation and social cohesion must be met