Stanton Drew resident, Shirley Edwards, has been working hard over the past few months alongside village Primary School pupils to turn local verges into beautiful spring displays bursting with colour.

During lockdown last year, Shirley came up with the idea of involving the village students in bulb planting after Covid stopped the annual Community Litter Pick.

Determined to keep the children involved, Shirley decided that they would plant bulbs with money that had been generously donated by members of the community.

Giving the children the opportunity to get outside and be involved in environmental projects is very important to the rural village school. Shirley told The Chew Valley Gazette: “In 2020, after speaking to the school, it was decided that we would try a bulb planting day along The Causeway, Upper Stanton. I then advertised in the Stanton Drew Parish Magazine for any help and donations. This was so successful that we were not only able to obtain bulbs and dig along The Causeway, but we had enough bulbs left over to plant half of the grass verge opposite the school.

“We had financial donations, hole digging help from parishioners, our local Parish Gardener recommended types of bulbs, and a local builder made a lovely Bath Stone base for a brass commemorative plaque to be placed on The Causeway.

“Following on for this year, with Covid still around, it was decided to plant the remaining verge opposite the school and additional bulbs along The Causeway. Again, following my request in the Parish Magazine, further donations were received!”

Last week the children and staff joined Shirley and husband Pete, kitted out in hats and high vis jackets to plant eight hundred daffodil bulbs along the verge opposite the school enterance, and a further two hundred crocus bulbs along The Causeway.

The whole school turned out, grouped in their bubbles, and all pupils were able to take part in the gardening project.

Shirley added: “Two parishioners dug the holes the day before the event and when planting was finished, the holes were then covered over by a village volunteer.

“The children loved being hands on with the planting again this year, and loved the fact they will get to see the flowers for many years to come.”

Shirley explained how she hopes this will become a tradition for the children and that she is beginning to plan for all winter flowers: “I had it in my head to plant snowdrops in January. I love snowdrops, and know everyone else does too – they come up in beautiful clumps, so that will be lovely for the cold months after Christmas.”

Stanton Drew Primary School Headteacher, Dieter Cook, said: “It is always great to have the children involved in community events, as they are such an integral part of the village, and they always have such a good time. We would like to say a big thank you to Shirley for all that she and husband Pete do for the school and the community. It is so lovely to have such great neighbours who consider the children in the school.”