What a smashing job our young students are doing!

12.8.2024

Our young students have been working hard to make the space around our new education building productive and attractive. We think they are doing a fantastic job!

We were delighted when we were given the funds to build a new education centre.  As well as 3 additional classrooms, we knew it would provide endless opportunities for our young students to use their imaginations, get involved and learn practical skills.

Just take a look at the garden that surrounds it!  What was once a wasteland of wonky paving slabs and decrepit beds has been transformed - it's now a wonderful space that manages to be beautiful, productive and environmentally friendly, all at the same time. 

The students wanted to grow fruit and vegetables to cook in our Gateway kitchen as well as somewhere where they could relax and enjoy being outdoors.  But they also wanted a place where wildlife and insects would thrive. 

So they insisted we retain all the fruit trees so that there are apples and pears in the autumn.  They've built raised beds in which they are growing runner beans, carrots, Swiss chard and more.  They've made insect hotels, put up bird and bat boxes, and left the edges of the garden grow wild.  They've got composting areas so that they can enrich the soil without the need for chemicals.  They've done a fantastic job, and take a real pride in their garden.

In many respects it's the perfect example of what the Trust is about - giving youngsters the space, time and opportunity to learn and achieve.

Thanks you green-fingered lot!!!