PUPILS at a Washington school are enjoying a new outdoor space to grow their own fruit and vegetables and learn more about health and wellbeing.
Barmston Village Primary School is one of three schools in the Sunderland area to get its own Edible Playground, carefully designed to help children connect with nature, learn where food comes from and discover the benefits of eating fresh, healthy food.
The Edible Playgrounds have been funded by Bauer Media Outdoor, built by the Trees for Cities charity and supported by Sunderland City Council.
Aimed at providing pupils with a hands-on, multi-sensory experience to explore gardening as part of the school day, they feature raised beds, vertical growing areas, a greenhouse, shed, tools, seeds and seating areas.
Teachers will also be able to utilise the space to enhance the curriculum, supporting subjects including maths, science, and art, while enjoying the physical and mental health benefits of being outdoors.
: “Children’s health is affected by many things, and these Edible Playgrounds give pupils the chance to learn about health and wellbeing in a fun, practical way,” said Coun Kelly Chequer, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Safer Communities at Sunderland City Council.
“Growing your vegetables helps children build confidence, spend more time outdoors, and develop healthy habits they can carry through life.”
Mary King, Development and Advocacy Manager at Trees for Cities, added: “We are delighted that the pupils in Sunderland are enjoying growing and learning in their new Edible Playgrounds.
“We want all children to have access to trees and green space in their school playgrounds, in the spaces they spend time in every day, to support their health and wellbeing and help them build a lifelong connection to nature.”
