Schoolchildren in Hartington are working alongside older members of the local community to create new wildlife and insect habitats.
Pupils from Hartington C of E Primary School are taking part in the Archbishop of York Youth Trust Young Leaders Award, aimed at building leadership skills and character, growing confidence and empowering youngsters to serve their communities.
Children are working closely with local residents as part of the inter-generational project, to plan and deliver two community action projects within Covid safety guidelines.
Two new wildflower and insect-rich habitats are being created within the school grounds on The Dale, and in the village. Displaying the school’s vision and ethos of ‘loving our neighbour as we love ourselves,’ children chose to dedicate one of the wildflower areas to Bel Kerr, a late and much-loved resident of the village. It has affectionately been named ‘The Blue Bel Garden.’
Pupils are also taking part in a programme to support the wider community’s commitment to tackling litter and fly tipping.
Tracy Blackwell, head teacher, said: ‘The connectivity with our amazing village community always has been an essential part of school life, but it’s been so vitally important during the past year of the pandemic.
‘During lockdowns, the children thought of imaginative ways to keep in touch with local residents including writing letters, making activity cards and videos, and turning our annual fundraising event for Macmillan into a virtual afternoon tea where residents received a box of treats delivered to their door and a personalised card from pupils.
‘Since January, we’ve been thinking about opportunities where we can start to establish some safe ways of reconnecting with our local village by being actively involved in community projects.
‘The Blue Bel Garden in memory of Mrs Kerr was a spontaneous act of remembrance and it demonstrated the children’s genuine affection for this much-loved and respected member of the local community.
‘We’re really excited to be taking part in the Archbishop of York Youth Trust Award and look forward to working with knowledgeable, passionate and kind local residents to make sure that Hartington remains an inspirational location to learn, live and visit.’
An older pupil commented: ‘We have enjoyed working with members of the community prior to the pandemic and keeping in touch with them via letters during the lockdowns. This helped to ensure everyone’s mental health and wellbeing. Being in isolation from our friends and families was very lonely, sad, and sometimes depressing, so we are all really excited and looking forward to working with our community again.’
Rebecca Mellor 