Space to Grow
The Garden Project is a shared project to turn a third of a acre of unused grassland into a productive, beautiful and reflective space. The project was started entirely from scratch, co-designed by young people and our chaplain, and runs as sustainably as possible. The Garden is open to students at Felixstowe School for lunchtime and after school clubs, as well as providing specialist interventions with individuals and small groups. We were delighted to win the ‘Best School Environmental Project 2022’ at the Felixstowe in Flower Awards, and excited that Felixstowe School achieved RHS Level Five Gardening Award in 2023.
“In lots of ways, it’s changed my life…Gardening has been nurturing. To calm down and look after it has helped me. I probably would have been expelled by now if it wasn’t for the garden. And the best bit about the garden has been you!”
Student Feedback
Winner of Best School Environmental Project 2022
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RHS Level Five Gardening Award
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Winner of Best School Environmental Project 2022 ⭐ RHS Level Five Gardening Award ⭐
Established just prior to the pandemic, the Garden includes an allotment and growing area, a fruit cage, toolshed, orchard, wildlife pond, meadow area, a grass labyrinth, planted borders and a large summer house for classes and small groups. There are plenty of benches dotted around the space. The garden also contains a special memorial to a former student at the school.
We do this project because evidence strongly suggests the benefits of nature for children. Spending time in nature is associated with better health, increasing children’s physical activity, wellbeing, and cognitive performance [Link]. Research shows the benefits of the natural environment on mental health, including increased wellbeing, subjective wellbeing, happiness, resilience, and reduced social isolation [Link].
The garden hosts a week long activity programme during the Year 6 Summer School. Feedback from our 2023 activities are below.
A huge thank you to Social Farms and Garden who supported this week and enabled so many children to access fantastic outdoor activities.
Boost is a proud member of Social Farms and Gardens as we seek to delivering high quality activities and projects which connect young people with nature. Take a look at their website for ideas, resources, training and support.
In November 2021 Felixstowe School published a short film of our journey creating a school garden.
Research
Prior exposure to Gardening and Nature
40% of students had a garden space at their primary school
20% of students were involved with gardening at home
70% of students knew someone who could show them how to grow fruit/vegetables
45% want to learn more about growing fruit and vegetables
42% wanted to learn how to do gardening with their families
Research
Student Experience of the Garden Project
47% found their first session in the Garden definately had a positive impact on their mental health
23% had their first ever experience of growing fruit and vegetables
33% tried something in the session that they have never tried before
29% said they wanted to sign up to join Garden Club regularly
In Summer 2022, we harvested: sweetcorn, carrots, rhubarb, artichokes, squashes, courgettes, cucumbers, tomatoes, leeks, chard, beans, peas and pumpkins.
