Primary 6 pupils recently enjoyed a day of hands-on learning and environmental exploration at the UPSURGE site, thanks to a series of engaging workshops hosted by Friends of the Field and South North Belfast Eco (SNBE). The event was generously funded by the Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) Sustainability Team and aimed to teach pupils the importance of growing their own vegetables and caring for the environment.
Throughout the day, pupils took part in a range of creative and educational activities, including:
- Fabric Dyeing: Led by Sue Bamford, Artist in Residence and Education Officer for Tools for Solidarity, pupils learned how to dye linen fabric using natural indigo dye, discovering the beauty and sustainability of plant-based colour.
- Build-Your-Own Planters: Jane McMahon from Belfast Tool Library guided students in constructing planters from recycled wood, teaching them practical woodworking skills and the value of reusing materials.
- Seed Ball Making: Pupils created seed balls—small bundles of seeds and soil—to help spread wildflowers and support local biodiversity.
- Bioblitz in the Wildflower Field: Children explored the wildflower meadow, identifying insects, plants, and other wildlife in a fun and interactive biodiversity survey.
The workshops were designed to inspire environmental stewardship and give pupils the tools and knowledge to make a positive impact in their communities. From learning how to grow their own food to understanding the importance of pollinators, the day was packed with meaningful experiences.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the researchers and staff involved in the UPSURGE Project for creating such a fantastic experience for the children. Special thanks also to Friends of the Field for hosting the workshop day in their beautiful garden—a shining example of how successful and inspiring urban gardening can be!
