Greenfingered kids dig for victory (From Western Telegraph)

Greenfingered kids dig for victory

8:50am Sunday 16th September 2012 in News

Local schoolchildren are enjoying the fruits of their labour after scooping first prize at a national gardening competition.

Broad Haven School has taken first place at the Royal Welsh School Garden Competition, winning £200 worth of Mr Fothergill’s vouchers.

Headteacher Andy Williams said that the whole school had been involved in various outdoor activities throughout the year, and took part in an enrichment day, which included willow weaving, sculpture making and creating a bug hotel.

Mr Williams said: “It’s an important part of the children’s learning because it ties in with the curriculum.

“Outdoor learning also gives the children an opportunity to get outside, learn about the environment and our ecosystems. And the children love getting their hands dirty.”

LSA Sarah Evans, who organised the enrichment day, added: “The day is about encouraging children to be interested in the outdoors, and experiencing the environment we live in – because you cannot learn everything in the classroom.

“And we do our bit to help that interest bloom.”

The children, who created a sensory garden in the shape of the Olympic rings at the school, have also spent the year working on their raised beds.

Hayley Edwards, who has volunteered at the garden with other parents for about two years, said: “The children are always so enthusiastic when they come outside.

They are keen to learn about where food comes from and how to care for the natural environment.

“It’s very progressive as well, because they learn new skills as they go from one class to the next.”