Private School News

‘Grow your own expertise’ helps Highclare school allotment scheme to blossom

Green fingered youngsters at Highclare School Woodfield saw their hard work blossom this term thanks to some expert advice.

They opened a mini allotment thanks to new ‘grow your own’ e-business Urban Allotments Ltd, who have worked with the school to create this scheme for the Highclare children.

A concrete area which previously had little use has been transformed into planting beds for a range of vegetables, fruit, herbs and salads. The children from throughout the school regularly get their hands dirty in their outside classroom growing more than 30 varieties including lettuces, runner beans, green beans, chives, parsley and strawberries.

The allotment was officially opened at the school in June by gardening writer Bob Purnell, author of the bestselling Crops in Pots, who was horticultural adviser for the project..

Sarah Kent, who designed the site for Urban Allotments, said: “Our message is that anyone can grow their own fruit, veg and herbs no matter how small a space they have at home, how little time they have or how little gardening knowledge they have.

“This is our first school project and shows just what can be done on what was a patch of concrete with a bit of expert help, it’s very exciting.

“Hopefully the children will have a lot of fun and get a real sense of achievement out of seeing their plants grow into food they can eat. They’ll learn valuable skills for life and hopefully get the grow your own bug.”

Head teacher Lin Jude said: “This is fantastic for the children and something we’ve wanted to do for a long time. As well as giving the pupils very useful life skills it will help us bring home the message from the classroom about sustainability, reducing food waste and eliminating the environmental impact of transporting food we can grow ourselves.”