Nursery Tots Score Task Force First

Toddlers from Pollok Children's Centre have become the first in the city to complete their Environmental Task Force School's Charter Challenges.

Already 35 schools have signed up to the Charter since it was launched at the end of January, pledging to complete at least three environmental activities a year to improve and enhance their local areas.

Pollok Children's Centre is the first to earn a plaque and a raised bed made from recycled wood in honour of their hard work. The nursery's Eco-Committee has created a Hungry Caterpillar pocket garden - based on the well known children's book - as well as carrying out two litter picks. The youngsters are growing shallots and edible berries in their garden as well as pollinator plants for bees and insects.

Councillor Frank McAveety, Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of the Environmental Task Force, visited the nursery to congratulate the children on their success and help them plant potatoes in their new raised bed which was built by Community Safety Glasgow.

Cllr McAveety said: "The children at Pollok Children's Centre haven't wasted any time in completing a trio of environmental activities. Their energy and excitement is infectious and I'm thrilled to be able to give them a hand to plant vegetables in their new raised bed.

"It's impressive that 35 schools have signed up to the Charter in a relatively short space of time. Our teachers and pupils are a credit to the city - supporting the work of the Task Force and raising awareness of the importance of protecting our local environment. The pupils are having fun and learning how crucial it is that individuals are proactive in their own communities. From what I've seen today, they are getting huge enjoyment from it too."

Noelle Harvey, Head of  Pollok Children's Centre, said "As an eco-friendly nursery which recently received its first Green Flag award, we were driven to participate and adopt the Schools Charter to further highlight some of the work we have been doing within our nursery.

"We have all worked hard on different projects. The children have been very enthusiastic and have really enjoyed working on the Hungry Caterpillar garden planting different vegetables and getting involved in our community litter picks.

"We aim to continue with lots more projects and are highly committed to moving forward with our environmental projects."