John Lewis support free sessions and planting opportunities for MK schools
John Lewis Partnership and The Parks Trust teamed up to support opportunities for schools and community groups to get involved in free local environmental initiatives.
Waitrose sponsored Environmental Heroes sessions, enabling 8 schools and over 700 children to take part. Sessions took place in their local parks where students learnt about wildlife and the Countryside Code. Some schools also built a bug hotel at their school as part of the project. Any unspent funds were then used to supply schools with litter pickers and bug hunting equipment.
John Lewis and its Distribution Centre sponsored wild flower seed and bulb planting to help pollinators and bring colour to the Tree Cathedral and Remembrance Walk. The Parks Trust ran free sessions for schools and community groups to plant the bulbs and wildflowers, and raise understanding of plants and pollinators.
Anne Dodds and Elaine Wales, from John Lewis and Partners said: “We are thrilled to be able to help enhance the central parks and help improve biodiversity for pollinators”, while Mary Green from Waitrose and Partners commented “Enabling young people to connect with nature and their local parks will hopefully make a real difference. it’s great to be able to contribute to these fantastic projects.”
Teachers' feedback about the project has been really positive, with one Deputy Head saying "I just wanted to say a massive thank you to you and your lovely team who worked with our children this week. The children had a fantastic time and were literally buzzing after their sessions. I know they learnt a lot and really enjoyed the opportunity to be outdoors connecting with the natural world."
Schools that took part included Cold Harbour, Long Meadow, Heelands and Bradwell Village, Southwood, Downsbarn, St. Mary Magdalene, Charles Warren and Caroline Haslett primary schools, and Watling Academy Secondary. Home Ed. groups also took part.
In total, John Lewis Partnership sponsored £5500, helping young people to connect with nature and improving habitats in Milton Keynes' central parks.
