We have installed a polytunnel in conjunction with New Leaf Compost.
As part of this project, we have established a number of no-dig beds. Our polytunnel also includes no-dig beds and a potting area. Last autumn, we harvested potatoes, marrows, carrots, onions, tomatoes, chard, Broccoli, lettuce, beans, peppers, strawberries.
We also grew a large number of sunflowers, and harvested their seeds. These seeds have been set in our wildflower meadow. Our pupils were involved throughout, working with staff, parents, members of the community and other volunteers.
Planting has already begun for this year’s harvest, and we intend to have a local celebrity chef come to school to do a soup making demonstration in the autumn.
We will also be planting 430 sunflower seeds along the perimeter of the school, again in no dig beds, and this will be featured on our local radio station, BBC Radio Foyle – this will be the second feature they have done on our no-dig project. The project has also featured in our local newspapers.
Our school is in Culmore, Derry, Northern Ireland, half a mile from the border with the Republic of Ireland. We are a former Ashden Award winner – greenest school in the UK 2013. We also hold a green flag. We have a biomass heating system, photovoltaic panels etc.
