Pupils around Petersfield have been dishing the dirt as schools around town have embraced a bid to increase biodiversity and provide more space for nature.

School communities have come together to support a host of green projects and planting schemes led by local parent and environmentalist, Paul Turner.

Participants were encouraged to apply for funding from the South Downs National Park Authority through their “ReNaturing Schools” programme.

And pupils of all ages have dug in over the last three months, with youngsters at Herne Junior School and TPS among those getting their hands dirty in a green wave of enthusiasm.

A micro forest – also called a Miyawaki – with a variety of native tree species was recently planted at the former in what could be a double boost for the school.

It’s hoped the planting should alleviate some of the recent flooding problems around the school while providing vital habitats and capturing carbon.

“Miyawaki Forests are a great way to quickly create high density, biodiversity rich ecosystems,” said a spokesperson for HJS, with a small army of volunteers bringing spades, wheelbarrows and plenty of enthusiasm to the re-arranged planting session.

There was a lot of love for nature at The Petersfield School as a half-term programme of hedge-planting around the sports hall area began on Valentine’s Day.

“The goal is to boost not only greenery at TPS, but also to provide a range of different types of plants across the school site,” said a spokesperson for the school.

Students from the school’s Eco Group were involved in planting while local councillors and environmentalists like Mr Turner gave up their free time to take part.

Mr Turner said: “We hope the planting this year will create momentum for renaturing projects every year in more and more schools across the region.”