Page 13 - Summer Term One, Eco-Schools Newsletter - English

Nature and Us Gardening in school

Nature is so important to our
wellbeing, the need to protect it We asked Mrs ap Hywel

is greater than ever. Our friends at from Ty’n Y Wern Primary in
Natural Resources Wales are running a Caerphilly to tell us about some
national initiative, ‘Nature and Us’ to of the benefits growing food

hear what you have to say about the brings their pupils…
future of Wales’ natural environment This is a great initiative for schools to

and how we tackle the climate and share their thoughts and opinions. “We garden at the allotment
nature emergencies. Click here to get involved! at least once a week in all
weathers and throughout the

year. We have seen numerous
benefits to these sessions including:-

• The children see where food comes from. They have the opportunity to grow,
cook and eat their own food.

• The children are physically active in the outdoors which is good for their

physical health as well as their mental well-being.

No Mow May • Children who struggle academically often excel at the allotment, having a

Plantlife’s No Mow May campaign Be sure to use this area as a resource natural flair for gardening.

doesn’t ask you to do much. In fact, it for outdoor learning, to explore what • We award a trophy to the best gardener of the week and this has really
asks you to not do anything at all… wildlife are attracted to the area and worked to improve pupil’s levels of confidence and self-esteem.”
work out your “nectar score” (which

Just lock up your lawnmower on May will tell you how many bees your lawn The pupils clearly enjoy being a gardening school…
1st (or ask ground maintenance to can feed). “I love digging as it gets rid of all my energy and is fun.” - Finley, aged 9.

leave an area uncut for the month) and “I get excited to see the veg grow and harvest it.” - Zack, aged 11.
allow the wildflowers in your lawn or
parts of your school grounds to bloom,

providing a feast of nectar for our And some tips for any schools wanting
hungry pollinators.
to give growing their own a go?...

“Some easy things to grow are
potatoes (can even be grown in
Save the date! - 24 May 2022 buckets), lettuce, radish, broad
Eco-Schools Wales are partnering with beans and spring onions. We have
Plantlife to bring you a fun filled, interactive also made seed bombs to create a

virtual pupil workshop for KS2 pupils, wildflower area for pollinators. The
exploring just how important flowers are to children really enjoyed making and

wildlife. throwing these.”

For information and to sign up click here.