Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards celebrates the contribution woodlands make to the people, environment and economic prosperity of the country. We are delighted to have been shortlisted for the Schools and Early Years category and look forward to the judges’ upcoming visit in May.
Scotland’s Finest Woods and the Outdoor & Woodland Learning Scotland (OWLS) jointly run this award, with the aim to encourage and reward schools that increase young people’s understanding and appreciation of our trees, woodlands and forests.
New Orchard Project
The shortlisted entry focuses on our new orchard, planted as part of the Gardening Club’s ‘Grow Your Own Foodbank’ initiative, which aims to support local families in need through our partnership with Inverclyde Homeless Forum, while turning underused areas of our school grounds into productive green areas.
The new orchard project has been pupil-led, initiated by Robbie G (SVI) and delivered by the school Gardening Club, under the guidance of Mr McLaughlin, Depute Rector. The pupils successfully applied to The Tree Council’s Branching Out Fund, securing grant funding to bring their vision to life. The Inverclyde Homeless Forum advised pupils on the types of fruit that would be most suited to local families, leading pupils to decide on apple and pear trees for their new orchard, tailoring the planting towards their needs.
Fifteen fruit trees were planted in March 2025. The trees selected are Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) recognised pollinator plants, meaning they provide nectar for pollinating insects and support biodiversity. They also cross-pollinate with existing fruit trees in nearby gardens, further benefiting the local environment and typically produce a large, high-quality yield, all of which will be donated to the food bank.
Mr McLaughlin remarked, “I’m incredibly proud of what our young members have achieved. This project has shown our pupils the power of giving back. They’ve planned, planted and nurtured this orchard, knowing it will provide food for local families. It’s taught them that what they grow here at school can make a real difference close to home. We are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for this award. It’s a testament to the dedication and hard work of all the pupils involved in this project.”
From initial research through to cultivating the trees, every stage of this orchard project has been pupil-led. They have also established a care plan to help the long-term sustainability of the trees.
Mr McLaughlin and pupils from the Gardening Club will be welcoming judges from Scotland’s Finest Woods to our school in May, with the final results being announced in June.
