CARNAUN NATIONAL SCHOOL Report in the Irish Examiner Thursday 7th June 2001 Green-fingered schoolkids are in a class of their own Having turned their school grounds into an environmentally friendly nature trail, principal Finbarr O'Regan decided that the small primary school should go for official recognition of their pupil's work and applied to IOFGA for a licence. 
As well as numerous habitats, a wildlife pond and many species of native trees, the school has a thriving organic vegetable garden. Using leaf mulch from their several compost heaps and horse manure from a focal farmer, the garden was planted with cabbage, peas, onions, carrots, potatoes and herbs. Most of the plants were raised in the school cold frame, while others came from a local organic grower. "It's important that the children learn best practices from an early age" says Finbarr. "Especially when they are living in what is predominately an agricultural area. It's time that the organic message was taught in all schools." The pupils seem to agree with their teacher. "We got the symbol so that we can say we are organic and that it is a better way of gardening" says sixth class pupil Marion Fahy. -It's better for the butterflies too." 
Cattle and sheep farming are the main type of agricultural enterprises in the Athenry area. While there is one organic farmer and one organic horticultural unit nearby it's not an area where the local farmers seem particularly interested in organic methods. The local railway station is frequently piled high with fertiliser pallets and many of the pupils see a different type of farming at home. Nevertheless according to Finbarr, many local farmers are joining REPS and are therefore getting closer to organic all the time. "They are reducing their stocking rate and their fertiliser usage," he says. "And because of what the pupils are doing here at the school, at least their parents are aware of the word organic." The school's concern for their environment is well known in the country. Many visitors come to see the school grounds, an impressive environmentally friendly nature trail. Recently, for the fourth year in a row, the school was awarded an ESB award for the best schoolwork on the environment in Co Galway. Looking to the future, Finbarr says that some of his pupils will take over the family farm and by then they will, in all likelihood, be running the farm organically. "With the growth of Galway city, it won't be long before its suburbs reach out as far as Athenry," he says. "When that happens there will be a big demand for organic produce and enormous potential for market gardening in the area." Pointing to an old rusty horse plough which stands as an ornament in the school grounds, Finbarr said "Its only about 35 years ago that this plough was used. So it's not so long ago since every farmer in the area was organic." One of the pupils, Martin Browne, says he thinks that all schools should be organic. "I think other schools will copy us now," he says. SCOIL NÁISIÚNTA CARNÁIN  BAILE
ÁTHA 'N RÍ |