PUPILS and staff at St Andrew?s CE Primary School, Buckland Monachorum, were delighted to receive first prize in the educational awareness category at the recent DEBI (Devon Environmental Business Initiative) award ceremony, held at the meteorological office in Exeter. The school has worked hard to improve its grounds to provide a rich environment for curriculum studies, imaginative play and to conserve and sustain existing habitats. Pupils are involved in practical activities to limit waste within the school and to do as much recycling as possible. A new venture since February has been the installation of wormeries and extra compost bins for recycling food waste, with funds from DEBI, which has captured the imaginations of pupils and encouraged them to start their own systems at home. The school has its own garden and supports the development of a community orchard in the village.