Allotment project grows at city high school

The seeds of the ambitious project, at Nether Stowe School in St Chad’s Road, were planted in July, when a small group of Year 10 boys began working on clearing old flower beds to create an allotment area.

Now it is set to be rolled out to other year groups and could even provide the produce for a future enterprise project to raise money for the school, part of the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership.

Rachel Chilver, the school’s Mental Health lead, said: “We started it in July and, at the moment, we're working with a small group of Year 10 boys who have really enjoyed getting stuck in.

"However, it has been such a success we will be rolling the programme out to all year groups, as part of our extra-curricular activities which will run every Wednesday after school.

“We want to get our students outside in the fresh air and give them the opportunity to build a sustainable eco-system which provides habitats for wild plants and animals.

"We believe that this will strongly support their wellbeing as well as giving them new skills and the chance to enjoy the peace and joy of nature.”

The raised flower beds are already delivering produce. Staff even went into school to water them over the summer, to ensure the crops would be waiting for students when they returned.

With the help of some local volunteers, ground has now been measured and cleared ready to expand the garden with three new raised beds, which will be built using timber donated by city builders merchants Tippers.

Tyres supplied by Central Garage will be used as fencing and planters.

Mrs Chilver said: “Wickes also donated a £100 gift card, in addition to some equipment like trowels and watering cans.

"We spent some of that on paint for the tyres, so that the students can create a really bright, vibrant garden.

“In time, students have suggested that we set up an enterprise project, selling the produce they grow to raise money for the school.”

Parents and members of the community have also supported the project, donating seeds, pots, gardening gloves and even a lawn mower.

Nether Stowe students have also achieved Level One of the Royal Horticultural Society's School Gardening Awards and have submitted evidence to apply for Level Two status.

Headteacher Glyn Langston-Jones said: “We are really pleased with how the allotment project has captured the imagination of students and very grateful for the support we have had from the community.

“The project provides all kinds of learning opportunities for students, not only about biology and nature but about working together, healthy eating and where food actually comes from too. We think it will grow and grow!”