Oldbury school garden restored to former glory
It a wasted piece of land left overgrown and disused in Oldbury. But through the kindness of volunteers a special needs school has seen its garden restored to its former glory.
The Orchard School in Causeway Green Road, saw a team of helpers working to clear weeds and debris in a bid to build a vegetable patch for the children.
Headteacher Diane Ellingham said: "It was a neglected piece of land at the side of the school and we never used it. It was very overgrown.
"Our gardener Steve Hall really wanted to develop a vegetable patch for our pupils.
"The resources were holding us back but we asked for some parent volunteers.
"It is a safe playing environment and for many of our children they don't necessarily get that option to go out and explore different environments.
"What we're hoping is what they have grown they will be able to sample in the class room.
"We just feel really lucky that we have had so many generous people – not only with donations but with their time as well. We could not have done it on our own."
Teams from both the Co-op and Lambe Construction worked with the school to help ready the site for the pupils.
The sites ground was flattened and slabs were laid down in a bid to see the garden more accessible for wheelchair users and children with complex needs such as autism or physical disabilities.
Works also saw a willow arch, planting boxes, potato buckets, and storage for water cans and trowels was created.
The school, which has 17 classes, has now seen each one of its 146 students plant their own potato.
