Primary schools in Cardiff to begin growing fruit and vegetables in playgrounds

Alex Seabrook, local democracy reporter

Primary schools in Cardiff are to begin growing fruit and vegetables in ‘edible playgrounds’ to teach children about healthy food.

The plan is to get pupils excited about growing and eating healthy food, and provide outdoor learning.

Each of the 10 primary schools involved in the edible playground project will receive raised beds, a greenhouse, compost, wormery and tool shed.

The project is backed by Cardiff council and environmental charity Trees for Cities, which has already created more than 160 edible playgrounds across the country.

Benefits

Councillor Sarah Merry, cabinet member for education, employment and skills, said: “In Cardiff, we are committed to promoting the use of outdoor space for learning and play for children.

“We also recognise the wealth of benefits that green space has on the health and wellbeing of our youngest citizens. This is part of our agenda for a greener Cardiff, as well as encouraging healthier diets.”

The 10 primary schools included in the first phase of the programme are: Grangetown, Meadowbank, Herbert Thompson, Ysgol Glan Morfa, Ysgol Pen y Pil, the Hollies, Ysgol Bro Eirwg, Trowbridge, Greenway, and Glan Yr Afon.

An edible playground has already been completed at Coed Glas Primary School, and future phases of the programme could see up to 40 schools in the city growing fruit and vegetables.

David Elliott, chief executive of Trees for Cities, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Cardiff council to design and deliver a range of exciting and inspiring food growing projects to Cardiff schools.

“This initiative will allow pupils to benefit from greener spaces in their playgrounds, access more outdoor lessons, and understand in greater depth about where their food comes from.”