Hundreds of primary schoolchildren launched a new project 'Green Fingers in the Park' to help the ecology of The Royal Parks today, officially marking the First Day of Spring.
Four hundred children, aged 4-11 received a special invitation to help plant 40,000 native English bluebells near the Serpentine in Hyde Park.
The initiative by the Royal Parks Foundation, the charity for London's eight Royal Parks, aims to engage youngsters with the magic of the natural world, while creating a wildflower attraction for visitors and also a new habitat for insects, birds and bees.
Sara Lom, Chief Executive of the Royal Parks Foundation, said "The children and the bluebells are the stars of the show today. However, this is the start of a much wider programme to involve our local community in supporting the magic of bulb planting across the parks. Future plantings could include daffodils, snowdrops or cyclamen, with schools, businesses and community groups."
The Royal Parks' expert horticultural officers and the charity's education team are helping the children, pupils at London's Thomas's School in Kensington, to plant the bulbs, with additional plantings now planned as annual events.
Rob Dowling, Hyde Park's Assistant Manager said "It is great to see so many children getting involved and enjoying planting new flowers. It's a rewarding way for these children to learn about the ecology of the park. The bluebells planted today will enhance the landscape for years to come."
The bulbs, which have been generously sponsored by the children's parents, are 'in the green' (with leaves emerging), making the job of planting simpler for the youngest pupils.
Joanna Ebner, Thomas's School, Headteacher said "I am proud that our pupils are making this huge contribution to the wider community and we are showing them the way we are able to make a difference to the community. By physically planting some 40,000 bluebells, we are actively demonstrating that we think of others and we care for our environment. I am certain we will enjoy feeding the souls of many by planting bluebells in Hyde Park for us, for others, and for future generations."
When their work is done, the children are visiting the nearby Isis Education Centre to learn about life cycles in the natural world and the ecology of the Park.
"The bluebells will look like a beautiful sea of flowers. It is wonderful to be surrounded by nature even though we live in a huge city, and we think that everybody who uses the park will feel happy when they see our flowers" said Amelia, age 10.
School children and Royal Parks Foundation mark first day of spring by planting 40,000 bluebells in Hyde Park
