Pupils at The High School of Dundee have planted a hedge as the next stage of its exciting playground improvement project gets set to flourish.
With Rector Lise Hudson, the School’s youngest L1 pupil, Chinelo, and eldest F6 student, Lewis, laid in the ground the first saplings of a beech hedge which will border the perimeter of the playground.
Parents, staff, L1 children and guests watched on as Mrs Hudson gave a speech and a special poem was read by L5 pupil, Shreya.
The hedge will form a natural border around the playground, enhancing biodiversity, adding greenery to the city centre campus and providing shelter.
Its planting marks the second stage of the improvement plan which began in the summer with the transformation of the western side of the playground to feature a range of play equipment, social seating and soft surfacing.
Mrs Hudson, said, “I’m delighted that today we’ve been able to realise the next stage in our playground project. The hedge will form a living, leafy border around our playground, but more than that, it’s a symbol of growth and potential. Just like our pupils, it will take root, flourish, and grow stronger with each passing year.”
The playground is renowned for having inspired adjacent DC Thomson artists to create The Bash Street Kids in the past, and Mrs Hudson is excited about what the future holds for the space.
She said, “The redevelopment has been an important ambition of the School for some time. And none of it would be possible without the generosity of all those who donated to our playground fundraising efforts. We are extremely grateful for this wonderful support.
“It has enabled us to provide a playground that’s more welcoming and functional for our current and future pupils. A safer, greener, more inclusive environment for fun and learning.”