The ‘Garden Gang’ in Rhynie are celebrating after £39,000 was awarded to the village’s primary and nursery school.
The cash is going to support the ongoing efforts of an after-school group led by parents and teachers who have been working hard to transform part of the grounds into a vibrant space for wildlife, as well as somewhere to play, relax and even grow vegetables.
The Garden Gang show BBC presenter Lizzie Schofield some of their green-fingered handiwork. All photos by Michael Traill.
Annabel MacDougall who runs Garden Gang, said: “Gardening gives so much more than growing food. It sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and gives children a sense of responsibility and pride.
“For many, these experiences create core memories that last forever. To be able to offer those experiences is very special.”
The cash comes from the Vattenfall Clashindarroch Wind Farm Community Fund, which is administered by Foundation Scotland.
It was secured by Rhynie’s parents and teachers council and will be used to expand on the work that has already been done, giving children more opportunities to learn about food and the environment as well as connect with nature.
One proposed use for some of the money is an outdoor cooking area with solar panels. Another is an advanced composting machine that safely and quickly reduces food waste.
Opening of the new garden.
Meanwhile, to celebrate the completion of the school’s new wildlife corner, special guest Lizzie Schofield from BBC Scotland’s Beechgrove Garden officially opened the space recently.
The children proudly led Lizzie on a tour of the area, sharing the progress they have made.
Many generous donations from families and community members helped bring the space to life, highlighting the strong local support.
Here’s some we grew earlier.
Vicki Grant and Lucy Taylor from the primary and nursery released a joint written statement which warmly welcomed the grant.
It said: “There was lots of work behind the scenes to secure this funding and thankfully it paid off.
“We are very proud of our small, rural school securing this amazing grant, which is going to have a significantly positive impact as we continue to develop, improve and enhance our outdoor space and learning provision.
“We are very excited to see all the changes taking place and the impact these will make for our learners and the wider community.”
As part of Rhynie School’s wider work, a community cookbook has been created.
Families, community members, groups and businesses have contributed over 80 recipes inspired by the seasonal produce grown at school.
The cookbook is available from The Corner Shop in Rhynie, as well as Forbes Raeburn Butchers and the Mart Café in Huntly, as well as Graeme Barber Butcher in Alford.
The school would like to express sincere thanks to Rhynie PTC, as well as Calum Hislop, Anna Wilson, and Deborah Herron (Foundation Scotland) for their invaluable guidance and support throughout the grant application process and beyond.
Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.
Comments are closed.