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Green-fingered pupils launch outdoor garden classroom
27 Aug 2008
Children at a Glasgow primary are about to embark on a project to turn a derelict piece of land in their school grounds into a blossoming urban garden.
The youngsters, from Oakgrove Primary in the St George’s Cross area, will transform themselves into garden designers as well as diggers, weeders, planters and pruners in a bid to create a stunning outdoor classroom in the heart of the city.
They will work alongside experts from Glasgow’s Children’s Orchard project and volunteers from the Clydesdale Bank on the year-long project.
The aim is to transform an overgrown and unused area at Oakgrove into an exciting space for children and teachers to take their learning out of doors.
Oakgrove head teacher Jane Cerexhe said both pupils and staff at the school couldn’t wait to get started.
“This outdoor classroom garden will be a fantastic resource which will enhance the learning experiences of children for many years to come,” she added.
“At Oakgrove, we believe that children’s time at school should be both stimulating and meaningful – and this innovative garden project reflects that very well.”
Children from Oakgrove’s P 6/7 class will take on the challenge of researching the content and design of other urban gardens, and will use whatever they discover to help them plan their very own green space.
The project has special significance for Liz McLachlan of the Clydesdale Bank, who heads the 14-strong team of volunteers who will work alongside the pupils. Liz is a former Oakgrove Primary pupil.
The Clydesdale Bank team will visit the school for three days across the school year to help with ground clearing and preparation.
The pupils will be advised on all things botanical by John Hancox of the Children’s Orchard.
Oakgrove has enjoyed a strong partnership with the Children’s Orchard for some time, which has given the pupils many opportunities to plant fruit trees in school and in the community.
Two apple trees planted at the school two years ago are now heavy with ripe fruit.