Did you know that we have our own vegetable plot? Back on the Map have kindly rented our school a raised bed in Barley Mow park as part of their community efforts, along with Sunderland Council, to help improve biodiversity and sustainability in the Hendon area. On Thursday, some of our Year 12s visited the plot for the first time and planted a variety of flowers and vegetables that we planted into pots way back at the start of February. Students from the Sixth Form are in charge of caring for the plot and working with community members to develop the surrounding areas of the park. Every Wednesday afternoon students will complete more substantial works, with the help of the local wildlife trust and Back on the Map staff, from creating bug hotels and wildflower meadows to developing our own patch.
While getting their hands dirty, Tom, from the Wildlife Trust, was on hand to teach the students all about different planting and conservation techniques as well as taking them on a wildlife walk around the park to identify insects and plants as they went.
Everyone worked very hard in the sun but enjoyed the chance to get outside and do something a bit different. Hopefully the fruit for their labour will be seen in the months to come!
