Rural Trust welcomes back first school group in three years

Lochaber Rural Education Trust (LRET) volunteers welcomed their first primary school group in three years, when class four and five pupils from Spean Bridge visited the An Clachan centre at Torlundy last week.

Relaxation of Covid restrictions saw the youngsters learning how to plant vegetables and flowers which they will tend and watch grow over the next few months..

The trust gives youngsters the opportunity to find out about aspects of rural life through ‘hands on’ projects, from planting to preparing and cooking fresh foods to usor ing natural materials in crafts, all while having fun.

In fine, dry weather, the Spean Bridge pupils planted vegetables in outdoor raised beds and sweet peas at the base of a climbing frame. They also freshened up a display in an established stepped garden then went indoors to re-pot cornflower seedlings strawberry plants.

Trustee Isabel Campbell, told the Lochaber Times: ‘We are absolutely delighted to welcome children back after such a long delay. We really enjoy having them here to help them find out about agriculture and how food is produced.’ and

Photographs: Iain The youngsters learn how to cultivate strawberries.

Planting red onions in an outdoor raised garden under expert supervision.