No Dig Training AT Hollybush Primary School

Teachers from Northern Ireland participated in a one-day programme called ‘No Dig Gardening’ training at Hollybush Primary School last week.

Sixteen primary and secondary school educators participated in the full-day programme, which included classroom and outdoor instruction under the guidance of Sharon Mc Master, Community Growing and Outreach Manager, Natural World Products and Biruk Sahle, ‘No Dig’ educator. Gareth Lamrock, field officer of Eco-Schools NI, was also in attendance.

Those in attendance were given instruction on how to grow food more sustainably in school gardens, using potential areas to develop crops and understand soil and best calendar times for planting. ‘No dig gardening’ is a low-cost setup that uses cardboard, woodchip, and compost to create growing spaces. This method adds carbon back to the soil and improves the soil health over time.

Speaking after Friday’s event, Sharon McMaster said she was delighted with the turnout and hoped everyone understood better what they can achieve in their school gardens.

‘We had teaching staff from numerous schools throughout Northern Ireland, and it was great to see a mixture from both primary and secondary levels. I would like to thank my colleagues Biruk and Gareth Lamrock for their assistance on the day; also, a special mention to Hollybush Primary School and their Principal, Mr. Feargal Friel, for the use of their premises and gardens.

‘This is the first of many similar programmes we will be putting out in 2025 across schools in Northern Ireland.’