Llanelli School Visits National Botanic Gardens

Today a large group of year 5/6 pupils from Old Road School from Llanelli were at the National Botanic Gardens of Wales. They are working on a project called “Deep Roots” that will create a trail for young people at the Gardens, reflecting on ideas and the stories behind some of the plant collection. For example, in the past, how plants native to Africa such as coffee and bananas were taken across the Atlantic along with enslaved people to maximise profits for plantation owners and create huge wealth that found its way back to Britain

The visit was facilitated by the Garden’s educational and heritage teams was thoroughly enjoyed by the pupils who enjoyed the winter sunshine and had a chance to see different aspects of the Gardens including the covered areas of The Great Glasshouse and Tropical House.

Chair of Llanelli Community Partnership, Paolo Piana, told us “We, have been working with 5 Llanelli primary schools, including Old Road School on the National Lottery funded project, Connect 2021, with a strong emphasis on work regarding the natural environment. Working with our partners Llanelli Town Council and the National Botanic Gardens of Wales we are developing new ideas, projects and initiatives. We were delighted that the Welsh Government’s Fusion Project has been involved in the Deep Roots Project and has made a huge contribution towards facilitating todays visit. By bringing together so many partners the opportunity is now there for these young people to be part of shaping the future of the Gardens and creating a trail that not only tells the stories of the plants, but the history and heritage of the people and places associated with those plants”