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Orchards: Hands-                                                                                                  “I have really enjoyed being


    On Learning for a                                                                                                 outside and helping with the
                                                                                                                      garden. Planting the trees was my
    Healthier Planet                                                                                                  favourite part and I want to plant
                                                                                                                      some at home next to my new
                                                                                                                      greenhouse.”
                                                                                                                      Billy, St Mary’s RC Primary

                                                                                                                      School learner








    Orchard trees help combat climate change by absorbing carbon
    dioxide and releasing oxygen. They boost biodiversity by
    providing habitats for pollinators, birds, and small animals. In
    schools and communities, they also improve air quality, cool the                      Would your school benefit from its own orchard? Register your
    environment, and protect soil health, all with minimal upkeep                         interest to receive a free Orchard Package, including support
    once established.                                                                     from Keep Wales Tidy to design and plant your green space. Plus,
                                                                                          the Eco-Schools Team will deliver a special interactive workshop
                                                                                          designed to help pupils understand the importance of native trees
    As St Mary’s RC Primary School in Blaenau Gwent discovered,                           and protecting habitats for biodiversity.
    orchards, as well as bringing environmental benefits, can serve
    as living classrooms. Learners explored science through plant life
    cycles and pollination, used maths to measure growth and yields,                      We only have a small number of packs available, and the deadline
    and enhanced their literacy and art through observation and                           to apply is 19 September. Apply today!
    creative projects. Their orchard offers hands-on, cross-curricular
    learning all year round. As their trees mature and begin to fruit,
    they will offer real-life opportunities to learn about nutrition,
    cooking, and food origins. Harvesting and preparing fruit teaches
    teamwork, responsibility, and practical life skills, and can even
    support school meals or community sharing.
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