The Flowerchildren of Standish

Schools around Standish are looking brighter and more colourful than ever, thanks to a partnership of pupils and Wigan Council’s Street Scene team.

Three local primary schools – St Wilfrid’s, St Marie’s and Woodfold – came together last week for a series of environment workshops dedicated to making a real visual difference to the community.

Over 25 pupils were selected to attend a fun and interactive workshop. The practical part of the day involved the children creating a set of baskets for each school, planted with bright flowers and placed outside the school on the guardrails.

Janet Kneale, Head of St Wilfrid’s, says:

"Pupils have been really positive about this project. Staff, and parents too, tell me how much they appreciate seeing some colour outside the school, signalling the return of summer. Our pupils thoroughly enjoyed this activity and have asked to do more planting inside the school to improve their local environment. I would like to express my thanks to the team and I hope to work with them again in the near future.”

The project is part of the Wigan in Bloom strategy for the year, which will see an expert panel of judges visit the borough to see community projects and eco-schemes in action.

All the materials needed by the schools were provided by Wigan Council’s Street Scene team, who are always looking to work with groups on similar projects.

Street Scene project officer Damian Jenkinson adds:

“We’re working with the Standish Environment Group, and this most recent project was a huge success for everyone.”

Deputy Leader of the Council and Wigan in Bloom champion, Cllr John O’Neill, says:

“It is wonderful to see young people engaged with gardening and sharing the benefits with the surrounding community. Once the baskets have established, they will provide local residents with a riot of colour throughout the summer.”