It was a bright crisp afternoon for our grounds work-in. We were delighted to have so many helpers, and were especially pleased to welcome families that are new to the area.
With so many helpers, we were able to do lots to improve our beautiful grounds:
- planted fruit trees
Mrs Innes and Mrs Nicolson from the Nursery planted a Damson “Shropshire Prune”, Pear “Beth Williams”, Pear “Williams” and a Plum “Merryweather” in front on the row of apple trees to form The Wee Orchard.
- planted a hedgerow
Jo and Mike from the Parent Council planted 60 (yes sixty!) Hawthorn, Hazel, Holly, Dog rose and Dogwood saplings to create a traditional hedgerow along the top of the small horseshoe shaped mound. Not only will this create a lovely shaded area for outdoor learning, it will provide an excellent habitat for wildlife too!
- filled the mini ponds
With some water from an existing pond (to create an instant ecosystem), Aileen and Ian created the mini ponds which are so important in attracting wildlife to our garden.
- painted planters
Round in the playground, Jill, Ali, Steve and Mrs Donaldson were busy painting the oak barrel planters. The blue and pink planters will look great with some flowers in.
- picked litter
The brownies, led by Parent Council members Claire and Debbie, did a fantastic job of clearing litter from the woodland. We are very proud to be a litter-free school and there wasn’t any dropped litter in the grounds. However, following recent high winds, there were quite a number of carrier bags and other debris which had been caught in the branches.
- installed habitat boxes
The bird boxes have to be installed quite high so that foxes and cats cannot reach them. Unlike the birds, which don’t like to be in a sunny position (the heat harms the young chicks), the bee boxes were positioned to get lots of sunlight.
- planted bulbs
After clearing the woods, the brownies helped to plant some bluebells and other woodland bulbs. Look out for them in the spring.
It was great fun. The children loved being outdoors and making new friends and everyone loved Kate’s flapjacks!
Thank you to:
Our 34 horticultural heroes.
The CSGN Orchard Grant Scheme for funding the purchase of fruit trees
The Woodland Trust for the Hedgerow Pack
East Lothian Council for the loan of litterpickers and supply of bin bags
Beautiful Scotland for the supply of hi-vis tabards
ScottishPower/Cockenzie Power Station for the supply of the habitat boxes
What a fabulous write up of a cracking day’s work, Jan. Thank you so much. I arrived at 2.15, ready to paint and it was all done! On behalf of the school, I would like to thank all the families, brownies and neighbours who came round to help out on a pretty freezing Sunday. It’s looking good so Monday’s staff challenge is to keep the children away from the new planting with only 3 cones to warn them off! Don’t worry, we’ll manage that.
Absolutely Fantastic!!!!!
Well done!
We had a wonderful day.
Kids enjoyed picnic in the gardens and all the adventure in the woods.
Little ones exhausted from all the running around- went to bed early !!
Met lots of fun folk and made some new friends.
AND helped make school a happier, cleaner, more colourful, more stimulating and greener place.
Awesome.
What wonderful parents we have! Thank you so much for all your hard work, we really appreciate it. The boys and girls really enjoy our school grounds: they are having lots of fun playing on the field and we do enjoy a walk in the woods. I’ve now brought a pair of wellies into school after my last trip into the woods….. with beige, suede, boots. Not very sensible! Wellies will be much better footwear!