The future of the planet could be in safer hands thanks to the pupils of Leverhulme Community Primary School.

Year Six learners got hands-on in a packed morning of environmental activities at St James churchyard in Breightmet.

Organised by Brighter Breightmet, a team of volunteers who work tirelessly to improve their community, it was designed to give the children a wider understanding of the natural world and of what they could do to help it.

Activities included working out the age of a tree from the rings on a log, understanding the important role worms play in soil composition and composting, finding out what makes the perfect bat and bird boxes, and litter picking and recycling.

Pupils said they 'learned about and saw things' they had never seen before on the wildlife hunt, describing it as interesting.

And they said that what they are learning "will help us to protect the environment".

David Orrell, Year Six teacher, said: "We are proud to have been working with 'Brighter Breightmet' since 2022 when Eddy Kavanagh, one of Bolton Council's community facilitators, put us in contact with the group. During this time, Simon and the other volunteers have worked with almost 100 of our Year Six students in sessions covering the importance of nature, recycling and looking after our local area amongst a range of other eco-focused activities.

"Our students always thoroughly enjoy the opportunities that the partnership brings and look back on the visit as one of the highlights of their final year in primary school. It is also clear that the volunteers from Brighter Breightmet get a huge sense of well-being from working with the young people from our school.

"Developing initiatives like this clearly have a positive impact on community spirit. Everyone involved sees the power of working together and the difference it can make on our mental health and aspirations around the local area."

READ MORE: 'An absolute mess' calls for 'dangerous' stripped-out park to be revamped

Famous faces including soap stars out in force in Bolton to inspire youngsters

School celebrates 'well respected' headteacher's retirement

Sarah Curley, headteacher at Leverhulme Community Primary School, said "We have been working with Brighter Breightmet for a couple of years now and I am very proud of how our school is building strong links with the community it serves.

"The children have attended sessions focused on becoming eco-friendly warriors. In these sessions they learn about the process and challenges of recycling and the decomposition of items, as well as demonstrating practical skills such as constructing bat houses and planting flowers in the church ground.

"This knowledge is then being used within our own school grounds, as our children from across school love to litter pick and make our environment a brighter place.

"Our children and staff know the amazing benefits of working closely with different community groups and we are always looking at ways to do this."

Jack Schofield, part of the Year Six staff team, said "Our Year Six children are enthusiastically engaging with local community groups, learning about recycling, the rich history of our area, and the importance of preserving and protecting nature.

"By getting hands-on experience, they are not only gaining invaluable knowledge but also fostering a sense of responsibility and commitment to their environment.

"Educating the future generation is crucial, as these young minds will be the leaders of tomorrow, ensuring a sustainable and thriving community for years to come."