TY Horticulture students and Green Schools members met with Niamh Ni Dhuill from from An Choill Bheag, an initiative of Learning about Forests Irelandand Tricia Beecher from Green School Ireland.  Both programmes as part of the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce.  They worked with students for the day to plan for the planting of a Choill Bheag, a new min woodland in the school grounds.  This project is being supported by Cully & Sully. 

We are one of just eleven schools in the country to be selected.  The students spent over four hours testing the soil, looking at the wide of range of biodiverse habitats already in the school grounds and  identifying some of the plants to be found (both wild and planted).  Having identified the best site for the 200 square metre forest (beside the polytunnels), the students marked out the area, and discussed a range of ideas for features within the woodland including paths, an outdoor classroom, a place for an outdoor projection screen and even a performance amphitheatre! (not all of these may be possible immediately!).  Niamh was delighted with the enthusiasm and commitment of the students, and was very impressed with how much was already being done for biodiversity  within the college.  When the plans are finalised, Niamh will be back in February or March to help the students to plant the approx 200 native trees including Alder, Birch, Oak, Holly and Hazel.

(Pics in gallery)