Manchester Airport announces shortlist for £25,000 school eco-garden competition

Manchester Airport has announced the six primary schools shortlisted to secure a £25,000 grant for a new eco-garden and outdoor learning space.

A total of 22 schools applied for the competition that was launched by the airport to celebrate 25 years of its Community Trust Fund. Submissions outlined how schools would create an eco-garden designed to act as a learning aid and promote environmental awareness among pupils. Schoolchildren also produced videos explaining their plans for the competition.

The six finalists are:

• Cheadle Catholic Infant & Junior School, Stockport
• Newall Green Primary School, Wythenshawe
• Brooklands Primary School, Sale
• Bexton Primary School, Knutsford
• Peover Superior Endowed Primary School, Knutsford
• Lum Head Primary School, Gatley

These schools have now been invited to a Grand Final event under the wings of the Concorde, at the airport’s Runway Visitor Park, on Tuesday 6 December. They will be asked to prepare a pitch to the trustees, and are encouraged to be creative with their proposals.

Pupils will also get the chance to rehearse their pitch during a visit from a mentor, who will provide feedback on the plans and guidance to the pupils on presentation techniques.

Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director at Manchester Airport, said:

“I’d like to congratulate our six finalists but also thank each and every school that took the time to craft and submit an application, whether they have ultimately made the shortlist or not.

“We were blown away by the ingenuity, creativity and passion for the environment on display from young people across the region. Each and every one did tremendously well with their applications, and I know our judges had a tough time picking out six finalists.

“Those finalists are now one step away from securing a sizeable pot of funding, to produce an outdoor learning space that will have a legacy for years to come. We look forward to welcoming them to our Runway Visitor Park next month and I’m sure choosing a winner will prove even tougher.”

Mike Kane MP added:

“Congratulations to the six shortlisted schools that are through to the final of Manchester Airport’s 25th anniversary Community Trust Fund competition.

“It is great to hear that so many local children have had the opportunity to put their ideas forward to improve their school grounds. The environment and biodiversity is incredibly important and it is good to see it front and centre of Manchester Airport’s community initiative.”

The Community Trust Fund is overseen by the airport and managed by a committee of independent trustees, including airport colleagues and local councillors. It was established as part of the terms for the construction of the airport’s second runway in 1997, under a Section 106 agreement with local authorities.

The airport contributes £100,000 per year to the fund and trustees meet on a quarterly basis to consider pledges up to £3,000, with applications welcomed from community groups or charities based within 10 miles of the airport.

The latest quarterly meeting was held last month, with over £24,000 pledged to community groups and good causes. Among the beneficiaries was Café Unity, a volunteer-led community café in Heald Green, which will receive more than £2,700 for a new industrial dishwasher. Manager Sarah Miller said:

“Being awarded the funding to replace our dishwasher was an enormous help to keep our community café open and running smoothly through the winter.

“Without the generous donation from the Manchester Airport Community Trust Fund we simply would not have been able to afford a replacement during these financially uncertain times.”

Information on how to apply for a Community Trust Fund grant, and the full criteria, can be found here.

Pictured: Manchester Airport Managing Director Chris Woodroofe (C), Cllr Sam Naylor (L) and the Airport’s Head of Community Engagement Rob Pattison (R)