SPRINGDALE FIRST SCHOOL

HEADTEACHER: Mrs K M Gillis

Greenfingers at Springdale

Springdale First School nestles into attractive woodland on what used to be a field of daffodils. This varied site offers many educational opportunities. Exploring the woods encourages the children to value all aspects of the natural world - from mini-beasts to broad-leaf woodland.

Staff, parents and children are involved in the maintenance of our grounds - from annual wood and pond clearing to the nurturing of flowerbeds and vegetable patches. To mark the Millennium the children also planned a special prize-winning Millennium Garden.

We asked the children what they would like to see in a special garden. Their ideas included somewhere quiet to sit, flowers and shrubs, a water feature and a bird-feeding area. Visitors to the school today can see the garden as it matures on the edge of the woods. It is in daily use during fine weather.

An orchard, ponds and wild flower areas provide year-round experiences for the children. At the start of the summer term the pots and flowerbeds are cleared of spring bulbs, seeds are germinated and beds are planted with flowers and vegetables. During the term the children care for these beds by watering and weeding them - ensuring a bright welcome to all our visitors.

At Springdale we hope we are nurturing the children as gardeners of the future -and encouraging them to care for the environment we share.

Mrs Isobel Evans, Environmental Co-ordinator

Archive Winter 2003 | next

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