Green fingered pupils from two Coatbridge primary schools have been helping to transform the grounds of North Lanarkshire’s newest school.
Pupils and staff from Carnbroe and Sikeside Primaries will be moving into the state-of-the-art Riverbank Community Hub after the summer holidays and they have been planting grasses and shrubs as part of their efforts to achieve the John Muir Award.
Over the past few weeks, 50 pupils from both schools, along with their dedicated teachers and staff from Morgan Sindall Construction team have been on a mission to plant 100 Lazula's (grass plant), Laurels (leafy plant), and Dryopteris (ferns), to enhance the natural beauty of the Riverbank Community Hub.
Pupils also got to construct bug hotels which provide essential habitats for various insect species.
Helen Paterson, Head Teacher for Carnbroe and Sikeside Primary Schools, said: “The John Muir Award is a fantastic way for the children of both Sikeside and Carnbroe Primary Schools to come together and to feel like they can make a difference in their local area.
“Not only do they get involved in practical conservation activities, but they can also learn about the positive impact of their actions on wild places.
“Primary 7 pupils have worked together all session exploring and enjoying the local area- getting out into nature and appreciating what it has to offer. The final part of the project has been to plant and conserve the local area.
“Tree planting at the new school, Riverbank Primary, is a great way for the children to leave their mark for future generations and for wildlife to enjoy.
“The children also created bug hotels to conserve the local area at the new school. It has been great to see the children really work together.”
The John Muir Award is an environmental award scheme launched in 1997 by the John Muir Trust and aims to foster a deep connection with the environment and promote conservation efforts.
Angela Campbell, Convener of Education, Children and Families added: “I was delighted to be able to join the pupils in helping improve the landscape around their new campus.
“The weather has been very kind these last few weeks, and it was a great for the children to get out the classroom and work towards their awards at the site of their new school.
“Getting the chance to have hands-on experience with nature and conservation is invaluable for the personal and educational development of our young people. It gives them an appreciation for the environment around them and encourages a sense of responsibility towards preserving our natural heritage."
The awards are named after John Muir, the influential conservation pioneer and 'the founding father of National Parks,' the award has become a symbol of dedication to safeguarding and conserving wild places in the United Kingdom.