Ashlands Primary School in Ilkley had a VIP alumni in attendance recently when Alan Titchmarsh paid a visit to the school.
The green-fingered former pupil met with teachers, children and parent volunteers to take a tour of the Ilkley school’s outdoor learning area - including the beehives, greenhouse, orchard and vegetable gardens.
Donna Russell, Headteacher at Ashlands Primary School, said:
“We were delighted to have Alan Titchmarsh visit our school and see the results of all the hard work that the children and pupils have put into our outdoor learning area. We’re fortunate enough to have so much green space at Ashlands, and we’re all incredibly passionate about using it for purpose in a way that’s engaging and exciting for the children - from forest schools to gardening clubs.”
Ashlands is part of a select group of schools across the country that have achieved eco school status and awarded a green flag with distinction for its eco initiatives and efforts - which are all designed to support the students and community in becoming more environmentally aware and active.
Ashlands has a dedicated eco committee which has a representative from every class between Year 1 and 6. Students select focus areas for action, working throughout the school year on activities which raise awareness, change behaviours and fundraise.
Recent activity includes: building bird boxes, planting trees and sowing the wildflower meadow; participating in Cut your Carbon week; and fundraising for the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and Yorkshire Dales River Trust.
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