French students discover how to nurture nature for a better world

On a hot, sunny day in May at the Saline Royale in Arc-et-Senans, France, a group of about 20 primary schoolchildren, armed with a scrapbook about plants, flowers and nature, are getting hands-on experiences with the world of gardening and learning about the natural environment.

It's all part of the Manuterra program, a project for schools, launched by the Fondation d'entreprise Hermes to help fight climate change and teach the younger generation how to protect and appreciate biodiversity.

The children then explore the gardens of the Saline Royale, where each class is led by a professional horticulturalist. Students are able to dig, plant, use tools and develop specialist skills while learning about the flora and fauna around them.

Classes and outdoor workshops are also guided by gardeners and vegetable growers who are on site to teach topics such as the importance of water as a vital resource.