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KEEPING SCHOOL GROUNDS GREEN

By County Press Reporter - Thursday, June 15, 2006
By Clare Wall
TEACHERS and pupils from Northwood Primary, Downside Middle and Barton Primary had an inspection with a difference this week.
Judges from the School Grounds In Bloom competition — an extension to the Southern Water-sponsored South and South East In Bloom contest — visited the three schools on Wednesday and inspected the school grounds, as well as seeing classwork, paintings and photographs by the children.
They will be assessed on their use of water, especially as the region is facing its driest period in around 70 years.
At Northwood Primary, pupils were preparing for the judges' visit during their lunchtime gardening sessions. The school is currently developing its meadow area to attract more wildlife.
And they are attempting to save water, too, in several different ways, using water butts, planting in the ground as much as possible and using water-absorbing crystals in their soil.
At Downside Middle School students worked hard to revamp a decking area, which is often used by the students on break times.
They repainted the decking, laid bark chippings and refurbished old concrete plant pots, as well as potting plants.
At Barton Primary, pupils have adorned their school with lots of potted plants and hanging baskets.
School Grounds In Bloom was launched last year and this year more than 70 schools from seven different counties are taking part.
Helen Sparkes, Southern Water's community programmes manager, said: "By having this competition in schools across the South, we can educate children from an early age about how to stop wasting water in the garden and in turn, help to protect the environment."