Oldham gardening session teaches pupils about sustainability

Reception pupils at Richmond Academy in Coldhurst took part in a hands-on gardening session on Monday (March 23), organised by housing association First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO).

The session introduced children to the sustainable ‘no dig gardening’ method, which helps improve soil health.

Netty Southward helping pupils plant the flowers (Image: First Choice Homes Oldham)

Amy Byron, reception teacher at Richmond Academy, said: “This was a wonderful initiative to help our reception children become excited about growing and caring for the world around them.

“It was a fantastic way to encourage our pupils to look after their environment and live out our pledge to contribute to environmental sustainability.

“A huge thank you to everyone at FCHO for their enthusiasm and for giving the children such a fun, inspiring afternoon.”

Left to right: Jamie Smith, Netty Southward, Brent Dean, Mark Atkinson, Adam Graham, Amy Byron and reception children (Image: First Choice Homes Oldham)

FCHO’s neighbourhood care team met with nine reception pupils and donated £150 to provide bags of compost and ready-to-plant flowers, including pink kisses and pansies.

Senior environmental services operative Adam Graham explained how to prepare a no dig garden bed by laying cardboard over weeds, adding compost, and planting on top.

Adam Graham guiding a pupil with a trowel ahead of planting the flowers (Image: First Choice Homes Oldham)

Jamie Smith, FCHO construction manager, said: “The pupils had a wonderful time learning about no dig gardening and how it can help the soil and creatures like worms that live within it.

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“The technique suppresses weeds, conserves moisture, protects soil structure, and creates fertile, low-maintenance planting beds perfect for flowers and vegetables.

Mark Atkinson assisting reception pupils with the planting (Image: First Choice Homes Oldham)

“But most importantly, all the children got their hands dirty making sure all the plants were safely put into the ground, ready to blossom over the coming months.”

FCHO and development partner Caddick also built the raised beds used during the session as part of a community support scheme.

This work was part of FCHO’s ongoing community support scheme following the completion of the nearby £20 million flagship West Vale development.