Schools embrace growing their own food
Friday 18 July 2025
Schools in the Borough enjoyed growing their own food as part of the Schools Growing Club which saw three schools receive hands-on support to develop and enhance their garden areas.
Camphill Primary School and St Colmcille’s Primary School in Ballymena, along with Glynn Primary School in Larne, were selected to take part in the initiative.
With expert guidance from local horticulturist Ann McCarron - also known as Mrs Bloom - the pupils learnt to build raised beds and sweet pea structures, plant fruit trees, and sow, tend, and harvest a variety of fruits and vegetables. Children also took part in creative recycling activities, such as making planters from used tin cans, reinforcing key messages around sustainability.
Each of the participating schools received a Schools Growing Club Starter Kit, complete with essential tools, compost, and seeds to help kickstart their gardening journey.
Now that the sessions have concluded, schools are putting their new skills into practice and continuing to grow, nurture, and harvest in their school gardens.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Councillor Jackson Minford, praised the initiative and said:
“The Schools Growing Club encourages pupils and teachers across Mid and East Antrim to make the most of their outdoor space by growing their own fruit and vegetables.
“Beyond that, it supports learning about wildlife gardening, natural pest control through companion planting, and broadens the pupils’ understanding of sustainability and healthy eating.
“This programme offers children lifelong gardening skills while promoting time outdoors, hands-on learning, and care for their local environment.
“We hope to see lasting benefits through healthier, happier children who are more connected to nature and their food.
“The initiative also supports Eco-Schools and Green Flag goals, and I encourage all the schools involved to continue their Growing Club journey.”
Feedback from the children about the Growing Club activities has been overwhelmingly positive.
Cara said: “I looked forward to Growing Club every week. There was something new to do each time, and learning about growing plants and seeds was so much fun.”
Ollie shared: “I really enjoyed Growing Club every Tuesday. We learned all about planting, where to plant, and how to care for our plants. I love helping my grandad in his garden!”
Miss Jessica Simpson, from Camphill Primary School, added:
“The Growing Club Programme has been a fantastic opportunity for our Nurture Unit and Eco Warriors.
“The provision of new equipment, including planters and gardening tools, is a wonderful addition to our new Nurture Unit.
“It offered pupils the opportunity to plant a variety of fruits and vegetables, explore healthy eating, and engage in hands-on learning.
“The children will continue to care for and maintain the plants, helping to build responsibility and a sense of pride in their environment.”
A special thanks goes to programme sponsor Kilwaughter Minerals Limited, whose generous support helped bring this year’s Schools Growing Club to life.
Gillian Hamilton, from Kilwaughter Minerals Ltd, said:
“We were delighted to sponsor the Schools Growing Club for three local schools.
“As part of our company’s Environmental, Social and Governance strategy, we’re committed to working with local communities and supporting projects that connect children with nature, the environment, and biodiversity.”
If you are interested in Growing Activities or want to learn more, please contact: parks@midandeastantrim.gov.uk.