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Kids get green-fingered for In Bloom

20/ 6/2008

GREEN-FINGERED pupils went potty planting up dozens of flowers to sell to raise money for eco-projects.

Already kitted out with raised beds to grow vegetables and flowers courtesy of Tameside Council’s In Bloom team, kids at Bradley Green primary school in Hyde wanted to raise the cash to start even more green initiatives.

They potted up the plants and planted hanging baskets, which were then grown on in the In Bloom nursery until they were ready for the big sale.

Teachers and pupils have been hard at work boosting the school’s eco-school status by cultivating plants, building a willow dome and redesigning the playground.

A special ‘eco-council’ of pupils has even been set up to drive the changes.

Deputy head teacher Ross Armitage said the school was extremely proud of all their efforts, especially as they came out of special measures and achieved ‘good’ status in 2007.

He said: “We’ve worked really hard from near closure to where we are now. It’s about enriching the children’s curriculum and their whole experience. The children have been extremely positive about it all. We have the eco-council so they have a say in everything, what to plant and how to do it.

“The children here are great, we’re really proud of them.”

All week the school will be taking part in ecologically-themed activities, with a visit from experts from Manchester’s Urbis museum, recycled hat making and litter picking with the Tameside patrollers.

The closing date for this year’s Champion of Champions gardening competition is fast approaching.  Readers have until 27 June to enter the District Assemblies’ event and stand a chance of wining the £100 first prize.

Last year saw more than 400 entries, including gardens, patios, yards and balconies, businesses and schools.

Entry forms are available from libraries and Customer First centres or apply online at www.tameside.gov.uk/inbloom/competition