The Green People, a group of Year 5 and 6 students who attend an after-school club at The Orion Primary School in North-West London, have been dedicating their time to learning more about and protecting the environment. 

After learning about the Sustainable Development Goals and understanding how each person can play a role in helping to care for the environment, the group decided to create an edible garden. 

They have been hard at work, researching what equipment they would need, what spaces they could use at school, as well as what they would like to plant. Their first attempt was some indoor gardening, which involved using propagators to grow cress. This was a success, although not everyone was convinced by the taste! Avina added, ‘’my favourite part of this group was growing and trying cress!’’. 

They also planted some rocket and carrot, and their first attempt at planting outdoors involved clearing the bed of weeds and planting beetroot. For many of the group, this was their first-time gardening. Clemence said, ‘’I learnt how to take care of plants and what type of conditions they need. I liked using all the equipment that we bought and learning how to use it." 

Every young person in the group can be very proud of their success. 

The group have also learnt how to use a cloche, which is now protecting the beetroot seedlings, and with more beds being put in place next term, Green People hope to continue with gardening and put up their greenhouse! This will give them the chance to grow a variety of things as well as encourage others to get involved. Kyra explained how she loved ‘’working together with people. I will continue to tell my friends!’’  

Each student also planted a sunflower seed in their pot to take home. As they care for it, it will serve as a reminder of how far they have come and how their knowledge and confidence in protecting and caring for the environment will continue to grow too.