CHILDREN have bean growing fruit and vegetables at their school after it was chosen as part of an environmental project.

Alexandra Junior School in Cator Road, Sydenham, has been chosen to take part in the ‘Planting in the Playground’ project.

The project has been set up by two charities, the London Children’s Flower Society (LCFS) and the Metropolitan Public Gardens Association (MPGA) to help schools which need support and funding to increase their gardening activities.

Headteacher of the school, Hilary Jarvis, said that so far the children have grown beans, spring onions, tomatoes, radishes and lettuce.

Mrs Jarvis said: “I think the children really enjoy it and I believe it is very worthwhile to them.

“We might even start using the food in school lunches.”

The project, which has also chosen nine other schools across London, has been going at the school since January.

And in the last two months the school has been given various seeds including carrot, peas, parsnips, beetroot and radish.

The charities have also given the school starter plants of leeks, strawberries and courgettes, 60 bags of soil, onion sets, gardening books, a wooden bed and a £50 cheque.

Mrs Jarvis added: “We have sold some of the produce to parents and have so far raised about £26.

“The money has been used to buy more seeds and plants.”

Mrs Jarvis said there are 12 children who are taking part in the project who form the ‘eco warrior club’.

Not only have the children helped to grow the food but they are also helping to encourage wildlife by leaving an area around the edge of the garden to encourage small insects and animals.

Later on this year the school is planning to grow winter vegetables such as potatoes and they will also start using compost bins.

A spokesman for LCFS said: “The schools have all shown great enthusiasm for the project and the aim is to give the children an opportunity to grow something they can eat.

“Children love to get their hands dirty and growing any type of plant can teach children patience and give them a feeling of achievement.”

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