Apple orchard unveiled at Ashley Primary School (From Your Local Guardian)

Apple orchard unveiled at Ashley Primary School, Walton

1:05pm Tuesday 29th November 2011 in Elmbridge By Louise Robertson

Excited children slipped on their wellies to watch their school become the first in the country to have a native species apple orchard planted on their premises.

Ashley C of E Primary School’s sustainable project will see the trees become the focus of a specialist educational programme.

The mayor of Elmbridge Councillor John Sheldon planted the first tree and Dominic Raab MP joined Blue Peter gardener Chris Collins to officially open the garden on Friday, November 25.

The initiative was sponsored by interior specialists Fourfront Group, which also helped the school to plant soft fruit bushes and buy 10,000 bees.

Dominic Raab MP said: “The environment can appear like an abstract idea to young children. This innovative project brings it to life, by helping them understand everything from planting, pollinating and nurturing the trees to harvesting, cooking and composting.”