Derry nursery named 'Eco-School of the Year'

A Derry nursery school is celebrating after being named 'Eco-School of the Year'.

Deirdre Doherty from Bligh's Lane Nursery and her Eco Committee (Ms Henry, Miss Cooke, Mrs Toland and Ms Roberts) were presented with their first Eco Schools Green Flag last week. Not only that, they were also named 'The Eco-School of the year' for 2022-23.

The pupils have worked extremely hard over the last two years on the Green Flag application process. With the help of Ms Henry's knowledge of gardening and Triax (Creggan Neighbourhood Management Team) they have converted their school grounds.

“They are extremely grateful to Gareth, their field officer from the Eco Schools NI for his guidance throughout both years,” Deirdre said.

The school was fortunate to securing funding from 'The Live Here, Love Here Schools pollinator Grant' for over £10,000 which enabled them to build a new outdoor classroom alongside purchasing and adding to their pollinator plants within the grounds.

Deirdre added: “The young eco-warriors have been busy bees throughout the year in litter picking, sorting rubbish/recycling and planting and harvesting an array of fruits/vegetables. These included potatoes, strawberries, parsley, mint, garlic, onions, carrots and beetroot to name just a few.

“A big thank you also to Karen from Creggan Country Park for supplying them with a wide selection of plants/compost etc. throughout both years.

Gareth Lamrock, field officer Eco Schools, Keep N.I. Beautiful, presents a 3rd Green Flag Award to the pupils of St. John's Primary School and Mrs Darmody, Eco Community Co-Ordinator. (Photo - Deirdre Heaney, nwpresspics)

“They ended their celebrations with a lovely ice cream treat alongside Mrs Darmody (Eco coordinator from Saint John's Primary School and their Eco-committee) who joined them in a double award celebration.

“They have been successful again in receiving their third Green Flag for the school.”