Set up in 2015 by Danielle Strain, this magnificent nature-friendly garden is a space for students, staff and parents to learn, play and relax. Equipped with a teaching background, Danielle has seen the benefits of how being in nature influences children’s learning, confidence, ability to work collaboratively, and stress levels. It was vitally important that the students appreciate how to look after the environment and enjoy observing wildlife. The children learn how to grow organic fruit and vegetables and encourage wildlife to the garden.
They have a pond, greenhouse, outdoor classroom, fire pit, fruit trees and many herbs that provide engaging tasting sessions. The older students help the younger children with composting and plant care and feel a sense of ownership that Danielle hopes will encourage them in their gardens in the future. She says her main hope is that she’s taught students how to enjoy the process of producing, cooking and sharing healthy food to enable them to understand how unsustainable and damaging our current attitudes are towards food production and waste. Frankly, this attitude is admirable and extremely important for the future. Be just like Danielle.