A food growing initiative at Braes High School, in the planning since 2019, has finally come to fruition with the school polytunnel now bursting to the brim with fresh fruit and vegetables.

The Braes High Polycrub project – driven by pupils, teaching staff and parents at the school – focuses on a ‘plough to plate’ culture with strong sustainable learning links for pupils. 

Launch

Pupils celebrated the fruits of their labour at a special launch event on Wednesday 21 September.

Delayed by nearly three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the launch celebrate the hard work of pupils, staff and community partners – including Forth Environment Link, who work closely with Braes High pupils.

Pizzas and smoothies were served using fresh produce from the polycrub emphasising and putting into practice the ‘plough to plate’ theme.

Councillor Laura Murtagh, spokesperson for Education said: “This is a wonderful initiative and programme of learning for pupils, who can see at first hand the advantages and merit in growing their own fresh food against the backdrop of the global climate crisis and pressures over food production & affordability worldwide.

“In addition to being a fantastic learning resource for the school, the health and wellbeing benefits of growing your own are widely known and it’s wonderful to see the enthusiasm and commitment by the school by developing this amazing facility within the school grounds.

“As an enthusiastic food grower myself, I hope it also brings much joy and satisfaction to staff, pupils and community alike, as they watch their plants and their project develop over the coming years”

Initially the produce will be used at the school’s popular breakfast club and plans moving forward include creating and distributing food boxes along with recipe cards designed by local artist Madeleine Leisk and pupils. These boxes would be given to local families struggling with the cost of living crisis.

Qualification

Pupils will soon be able to study for a national certificate ‘An introduction to Horticulture’ at SCQF Level 4 when the school introduces the new SQA qualification as part of the curriculum.

The launch was attended by pupils, staff, parent/carers, CAMS Construction who donated and built the Polycrub free of charge, the Rotary and local partners.

How to get involved

The school is looking for Braes community members with an interest in planting and growing to get involved in the polycrub project.

Interested? Email Ruth.Kelly@falkirk.gov.uk for more information.