Press Release from Herefordshire Council:

Five Hereford primary schools are set to receive planters with established trees, plants and seating following a review of the street furniture in Hereford High Town.

Pupils representing the Eco Council at St Paul’s CE Primary School, Hereford, were invited to choose their two favourite planters for their playground. They thought carefully about what they would like best in their planters, including shade from the tree, the smell, the colour of the plants and how they would care for them, before picking their two favourites.

Councillor Barry Durkin, Cabinet Member for Roads and Regulatory Services said: “The planters were introduced in Hereford city when government funding was made available to enhance town and city centres following the pandemic.

“While they have proved popular with visitors, a recent review of the street furniture in High Town meant that we had fourteen planters, some with seating that we needed to find a good home for.

“We immediately thought of local primary schools, as the planters offer hands-on opportunities for the children to learn more about different trees and plants, planting, permaculture and caring for them. We’re delighted that all the planters are going to good homes in primary schools in the city.

“We thoroughly enjoyed the time we spent with the pupil ambassadors from St Paul’s School, who asked lots of good questions and were clear about what they would like to see in their new planters looking to the future of their local environment.”

Photo, left to right: Luke, Evie, Cllr Barry Durkin, Ralph, Matthew, Melora, Ida, Edith

The five Hereford primary schools receiving planters are:

  • St Paul’s CE Primary
  • Marlbrook Primary
  • Riverside Primary
  • St Martin’s Primary
  • St Thomas Cantilupe CE Primary