Bedell Group partner Mark Helyar joins in with the gardening at the Vale Infants’ School. (0585159)
AN INITIATIVE has been launched encouraging children to become green-fingered. Floral Guernsey said a three-year sponsorship deal with Bedell Group will not only help them appreciate their own gardens, but enjoy the horticultural heritage of the islands.
The Little Green Fingers Schools’ Project will be offered initially to the Bailiwick’s 24 primary, infant, junior and special needs schools, then extended to preschools.
Floral Guernsey chairman Tony Spruce, said one of the many benefits of the project was to raise awareness of where food comes from and to introduce a healthy eating element into the curriculum.
‘The project will enthuse youngsters who would not otherwise enjoy the opportunity, boost team spirit and community awareness and encourage interaction between schools to exchange ideas as well as a little healthy competition,’ he said. Children will get to experience hands-on gardening by growing their own vegetables, or simply starting with flowerpots around the playground.
As well as providing the funding, experts from Floral Guernsey will visit schools to help with tree-planting schemes and plant propagation.
The project will work in tandem with the Royal Horticultural Society’s Campaign for School Gardening.
As the UK’s leading gardening charity, its aim is to get 80% of primary schools there involved in gardening by 2012.
This internet-based scheme offers encouragement through free seeds, competitions and interactive games.
Several schools have been involved with the Floral Guernsey community competitions leading to Britain in Bloom successes, including St. Andrew’s gold medal last year when the judges were particularly impressed with the contribution from the primary school.
The project aims to build on the success of the autumn festival, when more than 100 children were involved in various activities.
Floral Guernsey schools’ co-ordinator Ann Wragg said having Bedell Group’s involvement was just the springboard the group need to take the initiative forward.
‘Once children experience the satisfaction of gardening, it can become a lifelong passion,’ she said.
Mark Helyar, a partner at Bedell Group in Guernsey, said: ‘We are committed to providing support to our local community. This is quite literally a grass roots initiative which will give children an understanding and respect for the environment, not to mention a lot of fun.’
- Schools wishing to find out more should email Ms Wragg at a.hw@ clara.co.uk.
Article posted on 30th May, 2008 - 2.29pm
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