It was this years’ ground-breaking initiative at Morecambe’s Sandylands Primary School and Nursery: an inclusive eco-garden, designed to offer green outdoor space to those without it at home, teach about growing, sustainability and the environment, and provide an inviting space for lessons, play and calming downtime. Supported by sponsors including West End Morecambe Big Local (WEM) it was officially opened by Mayor Margaret Pattison in May, and has thrived despite a scorching summer of record-breaking temperatures and drought conditions. Designed to nurture wellbeing, learning and connection with nature, thanks to great support from staff, parents, volunteers and the children, the garden is flourishing. So much so that, as they build up to celebrating National Apple Day with a harvest from their own orchard, the school is expanding its investment and impact.
Sitting behind Sandylands’ Balmoral Road buildings, creating safe access even for the youngest from their Little Seahorses nursery, all pupils have been provided with their own garden tote bag containing suitable tools, gardening gloves and cute cuddly hedgehog, the mascot of their Early Years Foundation Stage pledge to connect children to nature. The school has also taken on a part-time eco-gardener: chair of Torrisholme Road Allotment Association and Cancer Care therapist, Alison Smedley. As well as co-ordinating tasks and volunteers, her wealth of organic and allotment experience will be put to good use guiding ‘plant to plate’ growing, harvesting and cooking, and use of traditional plants in healing and aromatherapy.
Sandylands’ Head Penny Lupton says: “The visible impact of the garden on pupil interest and involvement has already exceeded our expectations. From our two year old nursery pupils, who are just starting their education journey, it’s magical to watch them step through our special ‘fairy gate’ into the garden and orchard, and see their delight. “The next red-letter date on the calendar is upcoming Apple Day, which has got our children eagerly monitoring ‘their’ developing harvest!” Interactive features including water collection, self-tended vegetable plots and fascinating wormery help foster an understanding of nature, permaculture and environmental responsibility. Outdoor seating, wooden chainsaw sculptures, and quiet green spaces invite the benefits of spending time in nature, with plans for more.
Penny adds: “Alison’s experience and infectious enthusiasm make her the perfect partner for our green space, with great ideas like creating a serene sensory garden with lavender and other scented plants for our SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) children. Seeing the benefits, whether school, council or community group, we can’t recommend enough investing in green space for early years.” With visits warmly welcomed, to visit Sandylands garden, school, or to enquire about available nursery places, call 01524 410286 or email: [email protected]
