Nurture and nature Mini-orchard planted for ecological education

Gardeners' World presenter and garden designer Diarmuid Gavin joined a group of children last week to plant trees and create a mini- orchard in a primary school.The trees, donated by the International Tree Foundation, will be used by Middle Row School in north Kensington to educate pupils about the environment and biology. Gavin said: "It was good to see children, parents and teachers working together to develop an urban garden. It provides teaching beyond the classroom and lets nature be observed at a closer level." Conservative councillor James Husband, Kensington's lead member for education, said: "This was a great opportunity for the children to get involved in a project that is both educational and fun." The mini-orchard includes three apple trees, a cherry tree, a pear tree and one plum tree.