The funding from Change X has allowed us to develop our Pollinator Patch and also to plant some other smaller areas with wildflower seed which will hopefully thrive next year. The children really enjoyed preparing the patch, planting the plants & watching them grow. As we return to school this week they are fascinated with the growth & the colour.... our tall rudbeckias are eye catching. The butterflies are fluttering each day around the patch & we nearly have to stop the children climbing in there to try catch them!!! Many bees buzzing also..... everyone fascinated to see that planting a patch like does work and nice to know we are doing our little piece with our patch to help the bees & butterflies & the environment!!

Our 6th Class have been working hard in our Pollinator Patch

At our first meeting we outlined our plan, looked at main area & other smaller areas to designate to the pollinator planting. We hope to purchase some gardening tools & plants for planting with the funding to start. Our area is pretty much ready for planting so we may be able to start if funding is granted before ground gets too cold. Plan B is to be ready to plant in spring. Also as part of the plan our 5th & 6th Classes will use the materials provided to look at pollinators & why we need to plan for them in general.

As our work is outdoors it is easier to manage within our overall School COVID Repsonse Plan. When working on the plan children will work with the pod that they are with in the classroom. Where necessary tools handled will be wiped between uses.

Our school will benefit in such a positive way from the project as we will be introducing colour into our school environs. It will also complement the work of our Green Schools project in raising the awareness of the importance of planting to attract pollinators.