It was fantastic to be invited to Skelmorlie Primary School to chat with pupils about exciting plans that we all have for improving the local environment.
First up, was the chance for pupils to volunteer to take one of the important roles in leading the School Eco Committee. Each of the pupils pitched to the rest of the Group (about 20 pupils) on what they would do if selected. There were some brilliant ideas and very strong candidates! You can just tell the group is going to do some great work in the coming months.
Rachel gave the children a brief introduction to Skelmorlie Environment Trust, explaining that we are trying to improve the environment across the village, and how we hope to work closely with the Eco Group to support their work and get them involved in our projects too.
We then broke into two groups and focused the conversations on two projects that we are currently working on. Rachel led the discussions on the work that’s been happening at The Crescent to clear a path through the forest and Derek focused on plans to plant fruit trees in areas close to the school. Lots of ideas fabulous were given on how we can engage the school and wider community.
Idea from the Children on Crescent North
The kids were shown a map of the Crescent and were keen to see a space for play and parties- asked what they would like to see in a wooded space were bug hotels, sculptures and adventure trails! The group were planning a Christmas event there, where pupils and the village community can get involved. We could decorate the forest, play games…and maybe Santa could even visit! There was great enthusiasm about the school helping to create decorations for the space to make it a great place to be in.
Community Fruit Trees Ideas from the Children
There was also no shortage of ideas for the fruit trees. “Maybe we can set up a stall to sell smoothies or fruit juice from the trees” was one excellent suggestion, but probably one for a little down the line. All the children wanted to get involved in planting trees, having events and also eating the fruit, of course. Apples, plum, cherry and pear trees were popular, but the honeydew watermelon, chocolate or money trees might be a bit more difficult to organise!
Children were also very keen to care for the trees, making sure that deer, rabbits or beavers don’t damage the trees, but mostly that teenagers don’t cause harm. Fences, security cameras and a few more radical proposals were given! One pupil suggested that we give seeds from the trees to every house in Skelmorlie so that they all can grow trees from ours.
The enthusiasm was real for getting involved!
The children also had an opportunity to give their ideas about what they and the school could do more generally. Litter picking featured prominently, but so many other ideas were given that had Ms Armstrong frantically noting them down as contenders for the plans of the group.
We’ll definitely keep the communication going, as we are sure wonderful things will come to the village through this collaboration.
