A schoool is seeking the support of the public to help its garden grow.
Staff and pupils at St Ninian’s Lower School at Bemahague are creating a community garden in the corner of a sports field.
The plot will not only help pupils learn about growing things but will provide an ecological and sensory area for everyone to enjoy, as school grounds are open to the public.
Teacher Jim MacGregor said: ‘The garden is being designed by pupils and they will be learning how to grow and tend vegetables and plants.
‘We have marked out a 400 metre square plot and have 105 trees being delivered in mid-March, by the Woodland Trust, to form hedgerows.
‘We will then be getting into planting and developing the site. The plan is to sell some of the produce grown so that any profits can be put back into the garden for new seeds and equipment for next year.’
Mr MacGregor said pupils from Year 7 to Year 9 – including children in the school’s progress zone, which includes the special needs unit – were involved in the project, the latter building bird and bat boxes for the garden in design and technology lessons.
He is hoping the community and companies will get behind the project. He said: ‘We would welcome donations of plants, seeds and manure but we are also in need of a potting shed and greenhouse, paving slabs or railway sleepers, sand and gravel, fruit trees, pairs of wellies and overalls and gardening tools.
‘We have a lot of enthusiasm but few resources, so any assistance would be welcomed.’
Anyone who can help should contact Mr MacGregor on 648900, leaving a message if he is teaching, or email him on J.MacGregor@snhs.sch.im.
