Sir Alexander Fleming Primary School Win RHS Gardening Team of The Year 2023
This is a nice story with a happy ending.
Last year we were approached by John Ratcliffe from Sir Alexander Fleming Primary School who was looking for some kind of shelter to enhance their outdoor area
His brief to us was as follows:
The Hazels
This area was created two years ago as a wildlife and outdoor learning area. It only has 2 mature trees, an oak and a birch, so our initial task has been planting saplings. We have beech, birch, cherry, apple, plum, pear, hornbeam, rowan, willow, walnut, sweet chestnut, oak and hazel. This is obviously planting for the long term- we call it our “future forest”, but we are seeking to enhance the area in other ways too.
We have created pollinator patches for the bees, tyre ponds, a willow dome, built a woodstore out of pallets, created a den building area, and have plans for constructing a woodworking area and setting up a live stream wildlife camera.
Due to the lack of tree cover, we are desperately in need of a shelter in the area. The ideal place would be where our current fire circle is, as it is already our gathering place and a hub for our activities. It would be great give us an idea of the coasting- we have some funding from the council and the school, but also want to make our own mark on the gazebo with installing our own seating, etc. We are really seeking to establish as a model to inspire other schools.
I really hope you will join us on this exciting journey, and I look forward to hearing from you soon
Well a year on, they have just won the prestigious RHS Primary School Gardening Team of the Year UK Champions. Their project and entry details for this competition can be seen by clicking on the link below but of course we like to think that our shelter we supplied to them played a small part too!! Well done to everyone at the school including the children of course on such a fine effort
If you would like to feature something similar in your school garden, then please contact the Hideout House Company on 01832 275902 or email: info@hideouthouse.com
