A NEW era in self-sufficiency was heralded in at St Mary s Junior School in Ely on Friday (5) when Transition Ely joined with pupils to plant eight apricot trees in a previously unused area at the side of the school. This was the first step in the proje

A NEW era in self-sufficiency was heralded in at St Mary's Junior School in Ely on Friday (5) when Transition Ely joined with pupils to plant eight apricot trees in a previously unused area at the side of the school.

This was the first step in the project which will see the eco-students creating an outdoor learning environment which will include an orchard and vegetable garden to provide them with fresh produce in season and be fertile ground for learning and encouraging growing at home.

The students who were involved in the planting were the school's Eco Warriors and Eco Champions who undertake conservation efforts such as recycling, throughout the school.

Transition Ely provided the funding for the trees which are expected to bear fruit in about two years. The group has also pledged to help establish the vegetable plot.

This is an important part of St Mary's school development plan for an outdoor classroom and it is hoped that further community involvement will ensure that the project thrives in the future.

Transition Ely is part of the Transition Towns Network, an international network of communities working in a practical and non-ideological way to build community resiliance in the face of peak oil (energy depletion) and climate change.

The group aims to engage all the community and works in partnership with a diverse network of groups, organizations and individuals from all sections of Ely to facilitate inclusive, creative and pro-active responses to energy depletion and climate change, with the ultimate aim of an 'Energy Descent Plan' plan for Ely.

INFO: www.transitionely.org

<2305> Eco Warriors and Eco Champions Nathan, Lucy, Hannah, Nicola, Anna, Daniel, Danielle, Katie, Mark and Adam from St Mary's Junior school in Ely planting fruit trees with Lezley Blackburn from Transition Ely.

Photo: HELEN DRAKE