Getting ready for Apple Day at the Sandylands Primary School and Nursery eco-garden
School children at a pioneering eco garden in Morecambe are set to celebrate Apple Day with a harvest from their own orchard.
The ground-breaking initiative at Morecambe’s Sandylands Primary School and Nursery is designed to offer green outdoor space to those without it at home, teach about growing, sustainability and the environment, and provide an inviting space for lessons, play and calming downtime.
The school has also taken on a part-time eco-gardener - Alison Smedley, chair of Torrisholme Road Allotment Association and Cancer Care therapist.
As well as co-ordinating tasks and volunteers, Alison's wealth of organic and allotment experience will be put to good use guiding ‘plant to plate’ growing, harvesting and cooking, and use of traditional plants in healing and aromatherapy.
“The visible impact of the garden on pupil interest and involvement has already exceeded our expectations," said Penny Lupton, head teacher at Sandylands.
"From our two year old nursery pupils, who are just starting their education journey, it’s magical to watch them step through our special ‘fairy gate’ into the garden and orchard, and see their delight.
“The next red-letter date on the calendar is upcoming Apple Day, which has got our children eagerly monitoring ‘their’ developing harvest!
"Alison’s experience and infectious enthusiasm make her the perfect partner for our green space, with great ideas like creating a serene sensory garden with lavender and other scented plants for our SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) children.
"Seeing the benefits, whether school, council or community group, we can’t recommend enough investing in green space for early years.”
The garden is supported by sponsors including West End Morecambe Big Local (WEM) and was officially opened by Councillor Margaret Pattison, then Mayor of Lancaster, in May.
It has thrived despite a scorching summer of record-breaking temperatures and drought conditions.
The garden sits behind Sandylands’ Balmoral Road buildings, creating safe access even for the youngest from their Little Seahorses nursery.
All pupils have been provided with their own garden tote bag containing suitable tools, gardening gloves and cute cuddly hedgehog, the mascot of their Early Years Foundation Stage pledge to connect children to nature.
The garden's interactive features include water collection, self-tended vegetable plots and a wormery, which help foster an understanding of nature, permaculture and environmental responsibility.
Outdoor seating, wooden chainsaw sculptures, and quiet green spaces invite the benefits of spending time in nature, with plans for more.
Apple Day is an annual celebration of apples and orchards, traditionally held on October 21.
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