Environmentally conscious seven and eight year-old’s from a pocket of rural NT are set to represent the Territory after winning the Woolworths Junior Landcare Team title at the Northern Territory Landcare Awards.

The youngsters from Berry Springs Primary School, 40 minutes outside Darwin, wowed judges with their Buzz Bunch program, ˜focused on researching and protecting bees native to the Top End of the NT – and their vital role in our world.’

Among their efforts include the establishment of a native bee colony at school, the creation of a bee-friendly garden and the production of a bee cookbook highlighting foods made using honey.

˜The Year 3/4 students are contacting beekeepers throughout the nation, developing an interactive map on which to mark their locations, the types of bees they keep, the number of hives they manage, climatic conditions and bee survival threats,’ said Kate Harden, Senior Teacher at Berry Springs Primary School.

Part of the school’s successful Growing Green Kids NT drive, the initiative is a collaborative partnership between the school and nearby Territory Wildlife Park where students are able to develop an understanding of the environment, sustainability, research and regeneration of plants and animals.

Representing the Junior Landcare ethos, Kate said: ‘We are so proud of the work our students and staff do with our Growing Green Kids NT programs. Linking education, sustainability and the environment promotes understanding, care and community awareness for the world around us.’

The students of Berry Springs will go on to represent NT while competing for the Woolworths Junior Landcare Team title at the National Landcare Awards in 2020.

Proud sponsors Woolworths commended the school and their students on their outstanding accomplishments.

‘Berry Springs Primary School are very deserving of this recognition, and their dedication to the Growing Green Kids NT program is an inspiration to us all’ said Paul Burgess, Woolworths Store Manager.

˜Woolworths works closely with Landcare Australia to inspire the next generation of environmental champions, and it’s wonderful to see Berry Springs Primary School and all other award nominees, living the Junior Landcare spirit. ‘