Our school garden

Our school garden was developed thanks to two generous grants. A government-funded National Nature Parks project provided £27,500 to design, deliver, and teach us how to maintain the garden. Additionally, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) contributed £10,000 to improve biodiversity on our site.

These grants enabled us to equip the school with tools and tool sheds, allowing fortnightly gardening lessons and after-school gardening enrichment. Over the past year, students have helped plant:

• A working wood
• A school orchard (expected to fruit next summer)
• A vegetable garden
• Two feature flower beds containing native perennials
• A 50m wheelchair-accessible path lined with flower beds
• A 150m hedgerow, acting as a biodiversity highway for insects and birds

The area is protected with 150m of stock fencing to safeguard plants from animals and stray footballs. By creating these habitats and implementing a no-mow policy, biodiversity has already increased significantly.

Last summer, we observed huge surges in pollinators, insects, birds, butterflies, and moths, showcasing the positive impact of our garden on the school ecosystem.

Our school garden benefits our students and the wider school community by:

• Providing hands-on learning experiences in science, ecology, and horticulture
• Teaching responsibility, teamwork, and environmental stewardship
• Offering a peaceful, outdoor space for wellbeing and relaxation
• Supporting inclusive learning, with wheelchair-accessible paths and activities for all abilities
• Strengthening community engagement through gardening lessons and enrichment sessions

Our school garden is not only an exciting learning environment but also a hub for community, creativity, and connection with nature.