Growing Ideas That Take Root: Mundella Primary School
Trees don't just stand around looking impressive, they're busy doing some remarkable jobs.
That was one of the many discoveries made by pupils at Mundella Primary School as they explored how nature helps solve some of the challenges facing both people and wildlife.
The Blue Influencers programme encouraged pupils to investigate the environmental issues that mattered most to them, including litter, recycling, biodiversity and improving habitats around their school. Explorations of their orchard in need of a little TLC, which could be brought to life with bug hotels and bird feeders ideas sparked lively discussions about what wildlife needs to thrive and how young people could help.
The project became even more exciting when pupils met George from Kent Friends of the Trees. Suddenly, students learned that they offer more than tasty apples. They discovered how roots help reduce flooding, prevent soil erosion and even improve water quality. It was a real eye-opener that showed how nature quietly works hard behind the scenes.
A visit to Kearsney Abbey with the White Cliffs Countryside Partnership brought learning to life through pond dipping and close encounters with freshwater wildlife. For many pupils, it was their first opportunity to discover just how much life exists beneath the surface of a chalk stream.
As the programme came to an end, the group reflected on everything they had learned by writing letters to the next Year 5 pupils, sharing advice, encouragement and a few words of wisdom asking them to take on the baton and continue to restore the orchard.
It's a fitting legacy. After all, like the trees they came to appreciate, the best projects don't just grow, hey help others grow too.