Exciting new garden project at Balfron Primary School

The project, Planet Garden, has been made possible thanks to a cash boost of £5,000 from the Big Lottery Fund Awards For All Scotland.

The new garden was designed by pupils in artist-led workshops following consultation with pupils, staff and parents.

The garden is designed to provide natural habitats and a place for classes to work outdoors, to encourage exploration and learning about our natural environment. A pond will be created with a range of native plants and shrubs and trees will be planted to encourage wildlife. Construction starts this weekend (February 9).

Headteacher of Balfron Primary, Angus Black said: “The pupils and staff are all really excited about Planet Garden. The pupils have been preparing at lunch and after school workshops, which has enabled them to tell the story of how the garden is made and why it is important. We’re looking forward to seeing and using the garden after the February break.”

Local contractor, Calum Gordon, of Splash Gordon water gardens, is passionate about the pupils having access to creative and natural spaces. He said: “Planet Garden is going to be a real asset for the school. We’ve had huge support from local businesses, particularly Allander Aggregates in Milngavie, who have supplied us with materials.”

Planet Garden has also been fortunate to have received sponsorship in-kind from Loch Lomond Angling Association and Signs of the Times in Kirkintilloch. Dawn Cullen, the artist who initiated Planet Garden in 2011 and who has been running workshops for the pupils said: “It’s amazing to have had so much support for this project from the school community and local businesses.”

The final phase of the project will be for the children to commemorate the garden through poetry written at workshops led by award winning poet, Kathrine Sowerby.

To follow the project as it progresses you can like them on facebook or follow their blog

http://www.facebook.com/PlanetGardenBalfron

http://planetgardenbalfron.blogspot.co.uk/

ARTIST’S IMPRESSION . . . the new garden at Balfron Primary School will look something like this.