DIGGING DEEP
ENVIRONMENTALLY aware pupils at a Greenock secondary school are digging deep to transform an area of the grounds — and need support from Inverclyde’s outdoor experts.
Young people at Inverclyde Academy who are part of the school’s sustainability committee want to rejuvenate a section of land just outside the main entrance and turn it into a community garden.
The area currently houses the bike shed, paving and some lawned sections but pupils want to fill it with trees and plants in an eye-catching garden which will provide a habitat for local wildlife and brighten up the campus.
The sustainability committee has been allocated a budget of £300 from the school but to get the project up and running, they’re keen to enlist the help of local businesses and gardening gurus.
Fifth year pupils Niamh Hillier and Mia Williamson have been leading the charge in getting the garden transformation kicked off.
Niamh said: “As Inverclyde Academy itself is in a disadvantaged area, we think it’s vital that we provide this for everyone in our community to enjoy.
“Having access to a garden is fantastic for improving mental health.
“This garden will be enjoyed by people who don’t have easy access to greenspace.
“We have a lot of great ideas and really need some help and advice from people on how to bring it all together.”
Mia added: “We would love a garden with trees, wildflowers, a bench and maybe even a bug hotel to encourage insects to come back.
“It would be great to hear from people who have any spare wood and garden tools that would help us, and from anyone who could share their expertise.”
Niamh says the garden will also present opportunities for learning more about biodiversity as part of the curriculum.
She hopes that it will raise awareness of the damage being done to the planet.
Niamh added: “Our main priority is helping people learn more about biodiversity and the impact of climate change.
“We’ll be encouraging the whole school community to get involved and hope that people who visit the school will see the garden and maybe decide to create their own.
“Everyone will benefit from it.”
● Anyone who can help the Inverclyde Academy pupils by providing materials or expertise, can email the sustainability committee via inverclydesustain@gmail.com