Green fingered staff and students at Archbishop Tenison’s school by The Oval cricket ground get hands dirty in community planting session

Normally, teachers would discourage their pupils from getting their hands dirty or standing in the road.

But staff at Archbishop Tenison School, beside The Oval cricket ground in Kennington, have been making use of their green fingers – and doing both.

Three of its Year 10s took part in a community planting session, directed by gardening charity Father Nature and in the presence of Councillor Claire Holland, Lambeth cabinet member for sustainable transport, environment and clear air, as well as many local residents.

It was a chance for students to learn a little about gardening and ways of improving the environment.

One student commented: “I was privileged to go on the trip for planting, and it was a great experience. I was able to show wisdom through listening and learning how to plant properly, as it was my first time.”

Councillor Holland said: “It was awesome having students from Archbishop Tenison’s taking part in the planting of our beautiful planters in the Oval to Stockwell Triangle low traffic neighbourhood.”

Academic Key Stage 4 member, Julie Joyce, said: “I loved every minute, it was so lovely to see them working hard as global citizens within their community – they are really demonstrating their stewardship of God’s creation.”