PUPILS at St Columba’s School in Kilmacolm have planted an orchard as part of their award-winning ‘Grow Your Own Foodbank’ sustainability initiative.
The project aims to support local families in need while nurturing environmental stewardship among young people.
Over the past seven years, the school’s Gardening Club has transformed five previously unused areas of the school grounds into vibrant flower and vegetable gardens, meeting for two hours every Thursday and Friday after school.
The dedicated group of 15 members from across year groups, supported by staff, cultivates flower beds and grows food for local food banks in Inverclyde, while offering young people the chance to develop gardening skills.
The group focuses on planting pollinator-friendly species that benefit the environment and takes pride in the hugely positive impact the club has had on the young people involved.
The new orchard project was spearheaded by sixth year pupil Robbie Guthrie and delivered by the Gardening Club under the guidance of Mick McLaughlin, depute rector. The pupils successfully applied to The Tree Council’s Branching Out Fund, securing grant funding to bring their vision to life.
Fifteen fruit trees were planted in March 2025. The trees selected are recognised by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) as pollinator plants, meaning they provide nectar for pollinating insects and support biodiversity. They will also cross-pollinate with existing fruit trees in nearby gardens, further benefiting the local environment.
“We have established a partnership with Inverclyde Homeless Forum to donate our future harvests to support those in need,” said Mr McLaughlin. “I’m incredibly proud of what our young members have achieved.”
“This project has shown our pupils the power of giving back,” he continued. “They’ve planned, planted and nurtured this orchard, knowing it will one day provide food for local families. It’s taught them that what they grow here at school can make a real difference close to home.”
The Gardening Club was initially founded by former pupil Radovan Sarafilovic (Class of 2020) and has flourished over the past seven years. Pupils also plant a tree together when they move from Junior School to Transitus (Primary Seven) and care for it as a class until they leave, creating a living legacy of their time at the school.
These efforts are closely linked to the school’s curriculum, supporting learning in science, biology, geography, and citizenship. They have also helped the school achieve Green Flag Eco-Schools status, Gold level, in the Woodland Trust’s Green Tree School Award, and the highest award from the RHS Campaign for School Gardening.
Victoria Reilly, rector, said: “I am delighted to support the members of the school’s Gardening Club in their desire to establish an orchard of pear and apple trees in an underused area of our school grounds.
“Given that one of the school’s core values is ‘Compassion’, I have been especially pleased to learn of the longer-term plan they have to donate any produce that they harvest to one of our local charities, Inverclyde Homeless Forum.”
The school also maintains its own beehive to support pollination across its grounds. It is set to welcome a second beehive, donated by the Former Pupils’ Association, with a new colony provided by a local beekeeper.
“Working outdoors has an incredible impact on our pupils’ mental wellbeing,” added Mr McLaughlin. “It teaches teamwork, responsibility, and gives them space to think while making a tangible difference to the planet and their community.”
Families interested in discovering how St Columba’s School nurtures innovation, sustainability and community spirit are invited to attend the school’s upcoming open day, on 8 November, and taster day events.
