SCHOOLS across North Yorkshire are planning to improve their surroundings in a fresh bid to help pupils' development.

Research carried out in the county shows that schools are starting to appreciate the value of their grounds and their impact on both pupils and staff.

They are now being encouraged to find new ways of enhancing their environment by a partnership initiative.

However, the findings from the national school grounds charity, Learning through Landscapes (LTL), also show that a lack of funding is among the obstacles facing schools wanting to make changes.

LTL and education bosses at North Yorkshire County Council are working together to help schools realise the potential of their sites.

A programme, supported by environmental groups Yorventure and Yorwaste Ltd, has been set up to help support them in making their grounds a stimulating environment for pupils to learn and play.

Advice and information will be available to schools on a range of topics, such as recycling, health and safety, environmental awareness and school grounds maintenance.

As part of the project, LTL will also be promoting an initiative which helps schools to learn about techniques for grounds improvement. This will be supported by the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions through the Environment Action Fund.

The research showed that schools which have already made improvements are finding positive changes to pupil behaviour, more play opportunities and better social interaction.

Other benefits include a healthier environment for children to play in, a sense of ownership among pupils and staff and increased resources for learning.

Information officer for LTL, Mary Jackson, said: "North Yorkshire County Council and Learning through Landscapes are very pleased that Yorventure and Yorwaste Ltd have been able to support a partnership in North Yorkshire through a landfill tax grant."