Local Schools Dig into Gardening with the Schools Growing Club

Three schools in Mid and East Antrim – Camphill Primary, St Colmcille’s Primary, and Glynn Primary – got their hands dirty through the Schools Growing Club, learning valuable gardening skills while promoting sustainability, healthy eating, and outdoor learning.

Pupils Learn to Grow Their Own Food in Mid and East Antrim

Schools across the Mid and East Antrim Borough have embraced the joy of growing their own food, thanks to a hands-on gardening initiative known as the Schools Growing Club.

Pupils from Camphill Primary School and St Colmcille’s Primary School in Ballymena, along with Glynn Primary School in Larne, took part in the programme, which was delivered with expert support from local horticulturist Ann McCarron – affectionately known to the children as Mrs Bloom.

Throughout the project, children learned how to build raised beds and sweet pea structures, plant fruit trees, and sow, tend, and harvest a wide range of fruits and vegetables. As part of the programme’s sustainability focus, pupils also took part in creative recycling activities such as turning tin cans into colourful plant pots.

Each school was provided with a Schools Growing Club Starter Kit, which included essential gardening tools, compost, and a variety of seeds to help them kick-start their outdoor learning journey.

Gardening Inspires Responsibility and a Love for Nature

As the sessions wrapped up, schools are now putting their new skills into practice, continuing to nurture their school gardens. The initiative supports wider Eco-Schools and Green Flag goals while also encouraging children to connect with nature.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Councillor Jackson Minford, praised the programme:

“The Schools Growing Club encourages pupils and teachers across Mid and East Antrim to make the most of their outdoor space by growing their own fruit and vegetables.

Beyond that, it supports learning about wildlife gardening, natural pest control, and sustainability. We hope to see lasting benefits through healthier, happier children who are more connected to nature and their food.”

Teachers and pupils alike shared glowing feedback.

Cara, a pupil, said:

“I looked forward to Growing Club every week. There was something new to do each time, and learning about growing plants and seeds was so much fun.”

Ollie added:

“I really enjoyed Growing Club every Tuesday. We learned all about planting, where to plant, and how to care for our plants. I love helping my grandad in his garden!”

Miss Jessica Simpson from Camphill Primary School said:

“The Growing Club Programme has been a fantastic opportunity for our Nurture Unit and Eco Warriors. The provision of new equipment and tools has been a wonderful addition.

Pupils explored healthy eating, learned to plant fruits and vegetables, and engaged in hands-on learning. It’s helped build a real sense of pride and responsibility.”

Support from Local Business Brings the Club to Life

The programme was proudly sponsored by Kilwaughter Minerals Limited, whose support made it possible for the three local schools to participate.

Gillian Hamilton, from Kilwaughter Minerals Ltd, said:

“We were delighted to support the Schools Growing Club. It fits perfectly within our Environmental, Social and Governance strategy and our commitment to helping children connect with nature and biodiversity.”

Interested in growing activities for your school?
Contact: parks@midandeastantrim.gov.uk