In October Croydon held their first Eco Expo - staging events across the whole of Croydon for two weeks to highlight the importance of sustainability and environmental issues. The Expo also helped people understand how easy it is to do small things that help the planet - but also have advantages such as reducing their electricity bills by using low energy light bulbs. Events ranged from ‘Composting classes' at Spa Hill allotments to a recycled fashion show.

As part of the two week programme Q-Park multi-storey car part in Surrey Street hosted a ‘Garden in the Sky'. Part of the top floor of the car park was given over to an allotment style plant exhibition, complete with composting bin, vegetables and flowers and was open to visitors.

The boys from S.P.A.R.K (the recycling group at the College) and their teacher, Dulcie Bartolo, with Hilary Spong, Extended Schools Co-ordinator, took the opportunity to visit the garden one cold and very frosty morning. Ms Bartolo and I were very ably escorted onto the bus by 16 boys who behaved impeccably and were a credit to themselves, their families and the College (giving up their seats for older people and ladies with small children etc).

The morning was very cold with a bitter wind blowing, but it was sunny and bright and the garden kept the boys interested. The group split into two and spent some time looking around at all the plants that can be grown in gardens, balconies and in window boxes which ranged from pumpkins, spinach and callaloo to herbs of all types. The boys were fascinated by the recycling bin and most of them took the chance to hold a worm - Ms Bartolo and I declined the offer!

After exploring the garden, the shed and the composting bin we met back in the marquee for lunch and some activities. It was a little strange to be in such a high level garden and looking into office windows! Several of the boys said that they would try and plant some herbs at home and some of the boys with gardens said they would think more about composting. We had a really good morning (only one boy forgot his lunch - which was pretty good we thought) but were very pleased to get back onto a nice warm bus and come back to the College.

Thanks to everyone who helped us make the visit and to the boys for being such a treat to take out.

October 2008.