BEST SCHOOL GARDEN ASSADOR OF THE YEAR
THIS award goes to the school that has best involved children to create an inspirational garden. Huge congratulations to our winners, Chewton Common Playgroup in Christchurch, Dorset, who win £1,000 and a Miracle-Gro® hamper.
A YEAR ago, the entrance to the playgroup was nothing but surfacing and a lonely picnic bench. The staff agreed this wasn’t a reflection on their happy nursery and decided they wanted an interesting and engaging space.
After asking children if they wanted to take part in some gardening, and receiving an overwhelming “Yes!”, they got to work to create an outdoor space where children could learn and which parents, staff and visitors would enjoy.
They began by acquiring large used tyres and placed them around the side of the building for planters. A greenhouse was donated which allowed them to start growing in the winter months. To learn along the way, the children planted everything themselves so there was a real sense of achievement when they saw it all come together.
Playgroup owner Helen Dow said: “There is such great value in planting, growing, digging, and playing outside. The children love to garden so to win this award is truly brilliant. It is so important for young children to be outside, and we are lucky enough to have amazing staff who see the value in an amazing outdoor space the children can take responsibility for and ownership of.”
●●Second place went to St Nicolas C of E Primary School in Downderry, Cornwall, winning £500 and a MiracleGro® hamper, placed third was Chaucer Junior School in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, winning £250 and a Miracle-Gro® hamper.Two highly commended prizes go to St Nathaniel’s Primary in Stoke-onTrent, Staffs, and Bengeo Primary School in Hertford, both winning hampers.
A green oasis created by volunteers from derelict inner-city wasteland, an inspirational new playgroup garden, and a community haven founded by three cancer survivors are among the winners of our record-breaking Cultivation Street 2021 campaign