Photo call at 11am, Wednesday 3 October - Highters Heath J&I school, Highters Heath Lane, Kingsheath, Birmingham BL4 4LY
Photos will be available after 3 October
Immediate release
STUDENTS TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE USING KENYAN PLANTING METHODS
UKTV presenter and landscape gardener Hannah Genders is joining a class of 10 and 11-year-olds from Highters Heath Junior and Infant School in Birmingham, to help create a little bit of Kenya in the school playground. Hannah will also be launching a new schools' scheme focusing on climate change with charity Christian Aid and organic garden company Rocket Gardens.
The Green Garden schools' scheme is being launched to coincide with the opening of Christian Aid's Green Garden, a lead feature at the Grand Designs Live event at the Birmingham's NEC from 5-7 October. The project hopes to encourage children and schools to think about climate change and how it is affecting people around the world, as well as to offer a practical outdoor way for schools and children to live their lives 'sustainably - in ways that don't damage the environment and protect it for the future.
Inspired by Christian Aid projects in Africa, the students are using their own versions of the recycled, multi-storey tyre planters often found in Kenyan villages. These help villagers survive periods of dry weather and make the most of less-fertile soil. The students planted the tyres with a selection of vegetables, learning about the importance of supporting and growing local organic food.
Hannah Genders, presenter of UKTV's Digging for Victory is delighted to be involved:
'I grew up growing my own food and it's fantastic to see a new generation learning to do the same. Climate Change is one of the biggest challenges we face - some of the poorest communities around the world are already dealing with the consequences, so who better to inspire us to make changes too?'
Multi-storey planters are created using recycled car tyres arranged like a wedding cake, one on top of the other, supported by wooden stakes. Loose wood slats are placed roughly across the base of the tyres leaving room for drainage. The tyres are then filled with soil and planted. Whether in Kenya or Birmingham the tyres offer a chance to recycle as well as make the most of limited fertile land and precious water.
The school children are being encouraged to learn about growing their own vegetables, as many children have to do in Africa. Rocket Gardens, a Cornish family-run company, has joined the scheme, offering schools and children the chance to acquire an instant vegetable garden made up of a selection of organic vegetable seedlings, ready to plant in the multi-storey gardens.
Jan Conners, headmistress of Highters Heath School, is delighted that hers is the first school to take part in the project: 'The Green Gardens schools' project is a great way of helping children find out about climate change and its effects worldwide. Importantly, the project also helps the children to make a positive difference, exploring ways in which they can live a more sustainable life and have fun getting muddy at the same time!'
Christian Aid is inviting adults and children to visit its Green Garden at Grand Designs Live in Birmingham. Visitors will see the latest in eco-garden design and planting ideas, with innovative and unusual inspiration from Christian Aid's overseas projects.
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For more press information, pictures or case studies, please contact Kate Wills at Christian Aid on 020 7523 2446/ 07966 935 636 or kwills@christian-aid.org
Notes to Editors:
1. More information on the Green Gardens schools' scheme can be found on Christian Aid's children's and teachers' websites - www.globalgang.org and www.christianaid.org.uk/learn
2. Christian Aid works in some of the world's poorest communities in more than 50 countries. We act where the need is greatest, regardless of religion, helping people build the life they deserve.
3. Rocket Gardens is an online mail order company based in Cornwall, which grows and distributes instant organic kitchen gardens throughout the UK, direct to your door. It's just like receiving a living garden in a box, and includes a planting plan. A school garden box complete with fertiliser and educational resources costs £49. Visit http://www.rocketgardens.co.uk/
4. For more information on Hannah Genders see www.hannahgenders.co.uk
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
