Schoolchildren create pollinator-friendly space

Schoolchildren in Guernsey have transformed an area of land into a pollinator-friendly learning space, teachers have said.

Pupils aged between eight and 11 from St Martin's Primary School made the changes to St Martin's Meadow to attract pollinating insects and learn how important they are to the food system.

With the support of Angela Salmon from the Nature Commission, they surveyed the meadow and identified several native pollinator plants already present, which included vetch, creeping thistle, cat's ear and dock. They also added other native species to boost biodiversity.

Clare Giles, the school's head teacher, said the work "is a great example of what children can achieve when given the opportunity" and "will support both pollinators and learning for years to come".

A path and central outdoor classroom were mown into the field, making the area more accessible.

Vic Slade, chief executive of Guernsey Housing Association, who provided access to the land, said: "It's a great opportunity to support learning, biodiversity and better outcomes for nature and the environment.

"We're proud to support such an inspiring initiative by making this land available. Otherwise, it would have been on a routine grounds maintenance programme."

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