Growing success proves a popular lesson

30th September, 2009

In an age where pre-packed supermarket products can make it difficult for children to understand where their food actually comes from, pupils at Packwood Haugh School are learning the fun way with hands-on experience.

As part of their lessons, the children are not only helping to tend the schools thriving vegetable patch, but also to care for the small flock of free-range chickens which is responsible for laying over 3000 eggs a year!

Growing vegetables that will ultimately become part of their school meals offers the pupils a real insight into the care and knowledge thats required and gives them the sense of achievement that comes from growing impressive vegetables from seed. Healthy eating through good quality, seasonal food sourced from local suppliers is just one part of Packwoods drive towards a sustainable future. With all of its meat now from suppliers within Shropshire and its surrounding counties and the majority of its other food from Shropshire, it is showing how a responsible approach can produce benefits for the environment and help the regions food producers.

The pupils are made aware of the environmental impact of their day-to-day activities and are encouraged to save energy wherever they can. The school also strives to recycle all its paper, glass and tin waste and the recent purchase of a cardboard baler/compactor is all part of the journey towards a greener Packwood.