Eco-initiatives for Chester schools

Youngsters across Chester have been empowered to develop healthier eating habits, learn where food comes from, and gain hands-on gardening experience through an initiative delivered by Wynne Construction.

The family-owned construction firm worked with five Chester-based primary schools and early years facilities, engaging more than 40 children in activities focused on growing their own fruit and vegetables.

Aimed at pupils aged between two and 11, the initiative provided each participating school or early years setting with a greenhouse, growbag, watering can, tomato plants, step-by-step care instructions, and a selection of gardening-themed colouring activities.

The organisations involved were Eccleston Church of England Primary School, The Arches Community Primary School, Upton Heath Church of England Primary School, St Clare’s Catholic Primary School, and Oldfield Pre-school.

Wynne Construction social value managers Natasha Pryce and Sara Evans visited each school to deliver equipment and lead an interactive session with the pupils who were encouraged to assemble their respective greenhouses, replant the tomato plants, and learn how much water, sunlight, and ongoing care the plants would need.

In addition, the children were invited to ask questions and reflect on their own eating habits during an interactive talk, with many youngsters excited at the chance to eat tomatoes they’ve grown.

The support is linked closely to the £8m Kings Moat Community Primary School project, Chester, which Wynne Construction is progressing on a design and build contract.

With a total of approximately 20 hours volunteering time and £600 spent throughout the initiative, Natasha is proud of its impact.

She said: “Through our Wynne Futures Foundation, we’re always looking for ways to leave a positive legacy in every community we operate within, so helping these pupils build healthy habits is brilliant.

“We recognised that, while growing fruit and vegetables at home was a common experience for many of us growing up, it is becoming less familiar to younger generations today.

“So, it was fantastic to see how engaged, interested, and excited they were. Several pupils told us they don’t currently eat tomatoes but would like to try them once their crop has grown,

“It was incredibly rewarding to see that spark of curiosity and enthusiasm, and I look forward to hearing how the plants progress and hopefully seeing a successful harvest over the coming weeks.”

A spokesperson at Upton Heath Church of England Primary School said: “Thank you to Natasha and Sara for this great tomato growing initiative. We can’t wait to look after them and see them grow over the last few weeks of the school year.”

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