Students develop native plant area thanks to grant

Bainesse School students have developed a native plant area on a steep bank at the front of their school thanks to a community grant from Horizons Regional Council.

Before planting, the bank was overtaken with weeds and provided little educational value. Rural science teacher Liz Carroll says now it’s replanted with natives it has become a real source of learning for students.

“When we found out we had received a community grant we tasked the students with researching what type of native plants would bring in birds and insects,” she says.

“They then created a vision map of the bank and sent it to Aaron Madden at Horizons who helped identify which plants would grow best where.”

Ms Carroll says by picking the plants themselves, and taking part in a planting day with the help of parents and Horizons staff, the students have developed a real sense of ownership with the project.

“A couple of our senior students have taken it upon themselves to look after the plants and if they’ve had any questions, or needed any help, Aaron has helped out. We’ve been really impressed by the amount of support Horizons has provided to get this area developed and the kids love Aaron,” she says.

Horizons biodiversity coordinator Aaron Madden says Bainesse School students have listened well to instruction provided.

“The bank consists of a lot of sand and I told the students in order to make sure water gets to the plants, to create a dish up hill of the plant so water sits in there. I’ve been impressed to come back and see nearly everything has survived and they’ve been creating these dishes as I said,” he says.

Bainesse School received just over $1,100 to plant approximately 300 plants including kowhai, cabbage and flax trees. Future plans for the area include a working bee next term to edge the path that goes through the plants, put lime on the path and develop a picnic area.

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