The forecast was for rain but undeterred, our intrepid band of volunteers reported for duty at Chyngton Primary School, and the weather Gods smiled upon us … not a drop of rain fell.
Back in November, On The Verge volunteers joined children from Year 2 at Chyngton Primary School to create a wildflower meadow with spring bulbs. Group leader, Margery began by asking the children about wildflowers and pollinators, and the children were very responsive. Lots of little hands were raised, and many questions thoughtfully answered!
In groups of 2 or 3, the children got stuck in to digging holes on the grassy bank, and planting allium, crocus and muscari bulbs to treat the school to a show of colour in the spring. Then the piece de resistance – raking in preparation for sowing yellow rattle. The children clearly relished being in the open air. Some particularly enjoyed stamping the yellow rattle seeds into the ground. (Yellow rattle formed part of traditional hay meadows, and the seeds would have been trampled in by cattle – so children make good substitutes!). The worms and other bugs were also a source of fascination, conversation and comments.
We hope the children will see lots of colour, and the bees will enjoy the early spring nectar. With thanks to the brilliant staff and pupils at Chyngton School for making the afternoon such a success!
