The idea of using site biodiversity action plans to introduce biodiversity management initiatives into school grounds is outlined. Selected parts of a case study, involving the use of such an action plan to record, monitor and plan for biodiversity on a university campus, are described and ideas for applying a similar plan to a school setting are provided. It is suggested that such initiatives allow pupils to gain experience of the application of science to addressing real-life problems, demonstrating that even small changes in school grounds could lead to a significant positive impact on local, regional or even national biodiversity. (Contains 10 figures and 2 tables.)