Budding Environmentalists Get Growing at St Clement’s

An enthusiastic group of students who all share a passion for the environment have been busy in the new-look school garden.

Members of the Eco Club at St Clement’s High School decided to transform the area when they got together during the last academic year. But the task proved a lot more involved than initially thought, and staff came in over the summer break to help move things along.

“The garden has already greatly improved from the summer and we have already started planting our spring bulbs ready for displays in February. We have had contact with a local company about donating some garden beds that were on display at a Gardeners World show,” said Science Teacher Meg Fox who runs the club with Lab Technician Jess D'Andrea .

“We are pleased to have a number of regular students who share our passion and have great enthusiasm to create change. We hope that the club will grow as more students see the positive impact spending time in nature has, not only on our environment, but also on our own wellbeing,” added Miss Fox.

Last year saw the group concentrate on creating a bug house and starting to clear the garden. Thanks to the staff who came in over the summer to help, the garden is now ready for the students to use.

It has apple trees and a herb bed including a huge rosemary bush which is already being used by the canteen at the school, a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

And the club would also welcome donations of any pots, compost or bulbs and seeds which can be dropped off at reception during school hours.

“The plan is to enable students to learn how to grow their own food and to create a  more biodiverse school site,” added Miss Fox.

The group has already planted winter lettuce, mustard and salad leaves, while their broad beans will be ready for planting out in the spring.

Members of the Eco Club have already come up with a range of ideas to share with Head Teacher Nigel Willingham before implementing them.

“We are currently undergoing surveys to assess the level of biodiversity on the school site and by using the garden to encourage wildlife, we hope that when we re-survey this time next year that we will see great improvements,” said Miss Fox.