Grants Grants Grow your
own orchard Veolia Orchard offers free fruit trees to
schools so that pupils can plant and nurture young saplings to enhance their environment and grow food. Here, we speak to two participating schools
grounds. Planting was done in partnership with Stafford Borough Council and Veolia. Council employee Becky Martin brought along equipment to help us plant the saplings near the edge of the running track. Our Eco Council joined in the work, getting a great insight into careers in the outdoors. The children were fascinated by all
the insects and stones they found in the ground once we started digging. We spoke about reducing our carbon footprint and organic planting. All the trees blossomed this spring and looked beautiful. On Sports Day, the children sat around the trees, talking about the fruit they would have as their snack. The Forest School sessions run
‘Growing fruit trees is a great way to enrich pupils’ learning’
Our two-form entry primary school has a large sports field. Part of it was unused so we set up a Forest School in this space. There were already several birch and oak trees and we have created a wild area with flowers and a pond, where the children can interact with nature. When we received an email from waste and recycling contractor
Veolia UK about its campaign to provide free fruit trees to schools, we decided to apply. Growing fruit trees seemed like a great way to extend our activities with nature and enrich our pupils’ learning, alongside curriculum links. We were delighted to be chosen
to receive six British varieties of apple and pear saplings for our
throughout the year and are a holistic way for all our year groups to learn through hands-on work and science links that build a connection with the earth in every season. At a time when much of life and play is inside and static, this experience provided an opportunity for our pupils to get their hands dirty and make a positive impact on their environment. Katie Reed, Forest School leader, St John’s CE Primary Academy, Stafford. St Chad’s Academies Trust
FundEd AUTUMN 2023 15
IMAGES: ROMAN SAMOKHIN; TIM UR/
ISTOCKPHOTO.COM
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