Bountiful forests are being planted in Essex schools to encourage sustainable eating.
Pupils of St Osyth Church of England Primary School were the first to get their hands dirty.
A variety of fruit and vegetables are now growing in the school’s 100 sq metre forest. This includes apples, cherries, rhubarb and strawberries.
The forest is meant to replicate natural ecosystems. In the long term, the school will be able to share its fresh produce with local residents.
Funding for food forests was granted to the East Anglia Permaculture Association. This comes from the council and the NINEVEH Charitable Trust.
The St Osyth project was led by author and comedian James Campbell. He will now help create more food forests in schools across Essex, including:
- The Mayflower Primary School, Dovercourt
- Elmstead Primary School, Elmstead
- Millfields Primary School, Wivenhoe
- Prettygate Junior School, Colchester
St Osyth is part of the Essex Climate Focus Area, which covers the River Blackwater and River Colne.
We aim to see 30% of the Essex Climate Focus Area comprise natural green infrastructure by 2030. This will help the county become net zero and more resilient to climate change.
Find out more about the Essex Climate Focus Area.