Keith pupils get 'secret garden' project off the ground

KEITH pupils have set about transforming derelict waste ground into their own secret garden.

Youngsters at St Thomas RC Primary School, on Chapel Street, have leased the small patch of land for £1 a year from neighbouring St Thomas Catholic Church.

Primary 1 and 2 pupils have now started clearing the ground, which is nestled at the back of one of the school playgrounds.

Maureen Byrne, head teacher, said the land at one time belonged to the school and had the feel of a "secret garden".

The project is the brainchild of teacher Alison Field who wanted to see the land put to good use.

The children hope to plant wild flowers and fruit bushes in their wild garden, as part of an environmental project led by teacher Mrs Field and support teacher Jane Farquhar.

The school holds regular Welly Wednesdays and the extra space will expand its outdoor learning opportunities by giving youngsters the space to plant and grow their own food and to encourage and observe wildlife.

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