Sunderland Primary School pupils celebrated Earth Day at Mowbray Park Community Gardens

During the visit, pupils took part in a craft workshop making artwork inspired by the colours and shapes of spring blossom. These are now displayed inside Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens learning space and will be up until early June.

They then headed out on a nature walk around the park, looking for early signs of spring, from budding trees and new leaves to birds, insects and flowers beginning to bloom. The session encouraged children to connect with nature, notice seasonal changes, and learn about the importance of caring for the environment.

The activity forms part of Sunderland City Council's wider Blossom Campaign, which celebrates the city's trees, green spaces, and the wellbeing benefits of spending time outdoors. As part of the campaign, residents are also invited to take part in the Blossom Photography Competition, capturing blossom across the city in parks, woodlands, streets, and neighbourhoods. Winning photographs will be displayed later this spring at Washington Old Hall. More information can be found at: Connecting Through Nature - MySunderland 

There is also a public call out for residents and local crafters to help create a spectacular yarn bomb display at Mowbray Park Community Gardens and Let Your Soul Grow Community Garden later this spring. Knitters and crocheters of all abilities are invited to contribute handmade blossoms, which will be used to decorate the gardens and celebrate the city's growing connection to nature. The installation will form a colourful community made tribute to Sunderland's blossom season. The closing date for crafted contributions is Wednesday 20 May. Full details can be found at: Bloom Boom! | Sunderland Culture 

Peter McIntyre, Executive Director of Economy and Place at Sunderland City Council, said: "It's fantastic to see young people celebrating Earth Day in such a hands on and meaningful way. The craft session and nature walk helped pupils connect with the beauty of spring while learning about the importance of looking after our environment. The Blossom Campaign is all about encouraging people to enjoy and appreciate the nature around them, and today's activities show just how inspiring these spaces can be for children."

Mr Andrew Trewick, Deputy Headteacher at Hudson Road Primary School added: "Our Year 2 pupils had a wonderful morning at Mowbray Community Gardens. They loved spotting signs of spring on their nature walk and creating blossom inspired artwork. Experiences like this help bring learning to life and encourage children to value the natural world around them. The educational visit to Mowbray Park has inspired many of the children to further develop their creative skills by recreating a variety of blossom inspired artwork in which they are going to display within their classrooms. As the year 2 staff are going to do this as a follow up activity."

The Blossom Craft Session is one of several seasonal activities taking place across Sunderland to encourage residents to enjoy local green spaces, connect with nature and celebrate the arrival of spring. The wider Blossom Campaign invites people and organisations across the city to enjoy nature across Sunderland. Find out more about the campaign and other event and craft sessions at: Connecting Through Nature - MySunderland

Residents can also share their views on how best to support nature locally by completing the Connecting Through Nature survey: https://sunderlandcitycouncil.info/nature