Rolling seedballs gathers students and birds
When nature joined the workshop, with apostle birds arriving to feed on fallen seed, a habitat lesson turned into a real-life wildlife encounter. More than just making seed balls, this workshop connected students with culture, conservation and nature.
Capacity building - LP_23-030_LL013
The issue
Connecting primary school students with their local environment can be difficult in an increasingly indoor and technology focussed world. The challenge was to create an interesting outdoor learning experience that would build a connection with nature locally and make environmental concepts relevant, fun and memorable for young children.
The solution
Using FRRR funding, RGA Landcare partnered with Berrigan Public School and Aunty Lorraine (Sos) Hawkins from the Jeithi Jerilderie Aboriginal Group to deliver hands-on seed ball making workshop. Students learned through play, mixing clay, compost, vermiculite and native seed to create seedballs for habitat restoration. Alongside this activity, Aunty Sos shared knowledge about native plants and Caring for Country, helping connect students to environment, culture and community service.
The impact
Students through doing, gained an understanding of how native plants support birds, insects and wildlife. The seed balls made will be used to create habitat at Berrigan Tank Paddock, a community green space. While the goal was to teach about biodiversity, the workshop delivered much more. The arrival of riotous apostle birds, magpies, noisy miners and mudlarks at the workshop's end - possibly coming to say thank you - provided a perfect connection between people, plants and wildlife.
Learnings
Hands-on learning is intrinsic to teaching young students about environmental concepts. The combination of practical activities, cultural knowledge sharing and direct interaction with nature created a memorable experience.
The workshop also reinforced that learning goes both ways. Students' enthusiasm, comments like calling seed balls "bird cakes", and visits from the birds provided unexpected joy and inspiration to presenters, reminding us why connecting people with nature matters.
Key facts
- 36 primary students participated
- Combined hands-on learning, cultural knowledge and environmental action
- Birds joined the workshop, turning a habitat lesson into a wildlife encounter