STAFF and pupils at Brockworth Enterprise School are putting on their thinking caps to improve outdoor areas at the site.

A wildlife area, extra seating and shelter for rainy weather are just some of the ideas they've come up with.

Sharon Clarke, the staff member leading the project, said: "We are undertaking a number of environmental projects to develop and enhance areas within our school and grounds.

"Years seven and eight, through their Opening Minds lessons, have been reviewing the outside areas, discussing ideas and producing designs.

"Some of their ideas are building an outside sustainable covered area, for recreational and educational use, new benches and seating, creating a wildlife area and sheltered areas for wet or sunny weather."

But Sharon said the school could not do it on its own, so it was teaming up with various national and local organisations.

She said: "To help us achieve our aims, we have linked up with the school grounds charity Learning Through Landscapes, which helps schools make the most of outdoor spaces.

"Helping us improve a wildlife area are the British Conservation Trust Volunteers, a local group based in Brockworth and a Brockworth Tree Warden, Ernie Flounders. We are very grateful for the help."

The school needs to raise cash to go ahead with the project, and will be looking at funding from lots of different sources.

The schools' first initiative is to ask parents and supporters to shop online through a website called www.easyfundraising.org.uk.

The website, which was launched last year, is proving a hit with shoppers hunting for local produce.

The site allows users to shop at their favourite online stores at no extra cost and raise funds for the school at the same time.

If the scheme is a success, it will allow the school to look at even more ideas for improving the environment.