Land enables youngsters to discover nature

A plot of land at the back of a primary school in Kirkholt is enabling youngsters to discover nature first hand.

The wildlife area, which sits behind Holy Family RC Primary School, has been cultivated by RBH Junior Wardens. As well as encouraging plant life the wardens hope to attract small creatures and mini beasts to the flourishing environment.

RBH Priority Area Team Worker, Julie Finigan, said: “The area is vital for promoting conservation and nature education and also as important – enjoyment. We want children to become involved in nurturing this environment so that they can take pride in the urban spaces that are at their resource.”

Plans include cultivating a vegetable plot and using the ‘fruits of their labour’ to cook tasty dishes. Surplus vegetables will then be donated to local churches and voluntary groups. In addition, bird boxes and bat boxes that are to be erected will be fitted with cameras so that children can observe their growth and development.

Pupils from Holy Family RC Primary School will in time benefit from a much more ‘hands on’ experience in science lessons as they take their classes outdoors into the wildlife area.