NEARLY a hundred children, six experts, staff, PTFA and volunteers braved the stormy weather to give their school grounds a wildlife face lift in one day.

Children at Nailsworth C Of E Primary School worked all day planting hedgerow, bulbs and woodland trees, building bird and bat boxes, bug hotels and a willow dome.

In just a few hours the green fingered pupils planted nearly 400 trees and hundreds of bluebells and snowdrops.

Head teacher Vince Southcott said: “We are proud of the responsibility children at Nailsworth School have towards nature and the environment.

“Working with the Creative Sustainability team allowed them to find out more about the local ecosystem and their place within it.”

Greening Day took place at the school on Thursday February 2.

Year 4 pupil Theo said it was his first time holding a worm. “We had great fun digging and getting muddy,” he said.

Pupils were thrilled to learn how to plant trees but said they had no idea that gardening was such hard work.

“I loved planting the trees, “said Jeyan, in Year 6. “Now I’m looking forward to the growing.”

The project, organised by local community organisation Creative Sustainability was one of four Greening Days funded by the Tesco’s Bags of Help initiative in local schools.

The team of experts give everyone involved hands-on experience so they are confident to continue to improve the potential for wildlife at school and at home.

Anna Bonallack, project organiser said: “We think children and young people should have more chances to experience outdoor learning in and about nature.

“Children and young people want more time outside, they just need to be given the time and the opportunities.”

Creative Sustainability will be working with community groups this spring and summer to get more people outdoors and enjoying the rich natural environment of Stroud.

To find out how to get involved go to their website www.cscic.org

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