Children whose efforts in their school garden impressed Wales in Bloom judges in the summer have also received praise from their local MP.
Dr James Davies, who represents the Vale of Clwyd, has commended green-fingered youngsters at Bodnant Community School, Prestatyn, after visiting their allotment and garden.
The school established its garden and allotment two years ago and it has proved to be a huge hit with the pupils.
Children from all school years are involved in maintaining and developing the school’s green space, and they were keen to show off the results of their hard work to James.
James said:
“In May I welcomed children from Bodnant Community School to Parliament and during their visit they spoke about their garden and allotment and invited me to visit.
“This project has gone from strength to strength since its establishment two years ago and I really enjoyed seeing first hand the fruits of their labour and hearing about their future plans for the garden.
“The school has twice been awarded bronze in the 'School Garden' category in the prestigious Wales in Bloom contest and from my visit I could see why judges were impressed.
“During my visit in the summer the garden was looking very colourful and it was pleasing to hear that by being involved in the garden, the children have a greater understanding of biodiversity. I was also impressed by the variety of fruits and vegetables the children were growing, including an impressive array of pumpkins, runner beans, kale, sunflowers and tomatoes. In the poly tunnel they were also attempting to grow cucumbers and melons for the first time.
“I would like to thank the staff and children for inviting me to visit, and for the delicious jar of tomato chutney they gave me, made from their garden produce. I applaud them for all that they have achieved in the garden and allotment in the last two years. It really is an impressive space and I’m confident that with continued commitment and hard work, it won’t be too long before they are coming home with a Gold award in the Wales in Bloom contest!”
Headteacher Helen Vernon said:
“Having visited Dr Davies in Parliament earlier in the year, it was a real pleasure to welcome him to our school to see all that has been achieved in our allotment and garden.
“The children enjoyed showing him around and we were able to tell him about our plans to grow and cook food with the school community.
“We thank Dr Davies for taking the time to visit us.”
