Oxfordshire primary school pupils enjoying new garden

The project at West Kidlington Primary and Nursery School, which began in late April, was proposed by the parent who asked if the space could be turned into an area for children to learn about gardening and nature.

After getting approval from the school, the parent enlisted the help of a family friend, who is the head gardener at an Oxford college, to plan the garden's layout and plant selection.

West Kidlington Primary and Nursery School's new garden (Image: Louisa Heywood) West Kidlington Primary and Nursery School turned the unused space into a garden (Image: Louisa Heywood) The school community was asked to contribute to the project, resulting in a team of volunteers.

The garden began to take shape with the planting of microgreens, which quickly captivated the children's interest.

For many, it was their first time tasting rocket, chicory, and radish leaves.

The children also had the opportunity to grow a variety of other plants, including pumpkins, sweetcorn, runner beans, basil, coriander, oregano, parsnips, carrots, and onions.

West Kidlington Primary and Nursery School's new garden (Image: Louisa Heywood) They also made bug houses, transplanted seedlings, and learned how to craft pots from newspaper.

A community day on June 9 brought the school and local community together to prepare the area for planting.

Companies such as Jewson and Wickes donated materials, while volunteers helped to assemble the garden.

West Kidlington Primary and Nursery School's new garden (Image: Louisa Heywood) Severn Trent Green Power enriched the soil with a donation of their compost.

The school garden has also become a source of income, with plants being sold after school to fund future activities.

For Christmas, hyacinth bulbs in decorated tins and jam jars will be sold to raise money for next year's projects.

The garden's produce has been a hit with the children, who particularly enjoyed the homegrown sweetcorn, which they said was better than shop-bought.

West Kidlington Primary and Nursery School's new garden (Image: Louisa Heywood) Pumpkins, which grew over the summer, were used to make pumpkin cake, which the children also enjoyed.

The school has also signed up for the Royal Horticultural Society's School Gardening Awards and is currently working towards level three.

These awards provide a wealth of resources, support, and ideas for lesson and activity planning.

The school has grown pumpkins (Image: Louisa Heywood) The garden has become a hub of learning and wellbeing.

The children interact with the garden during break and lunch times, and it has also been used for various educational projects.

A science project with the Year 1 and 2 class involved making 'rot pots' or compost in a bottle.

The reception class planted a pear tree, and the Year 3 and 4s are currently working on a World War Two Dig for Victory project.

The garden has been particularly beneficial for children needing extra support, and has been a boost for their mental health and wellbeing.