In September 2015 we told you about an innovative project at Tytherington School which aimed to convert a derelict piece of land into a new school garden. The scheme was called the Gardening Project and aimed to develop leadership as well as practical gardening skills amongst a group of Year 8s. We are pleased to report that the scheme continues to go from strength to strength!

The group of students have planted a range of different types of trees including apple, pear and plum trees. The students have also planted gooseberry and blueberry bushes as well and rhubarb and loganberry. There is also a patch for potatoes, onions and garlic. The students have not just been planting. The Design and Technology department have also been creative by making compost bins, bird houses and benches from pallets donated by Travis Perkins. In the next week, the students hope to be planting peas, beans, carrots and lettuce. Across the rest of the term the project hopes to be making a pond from a tractor tyre, making their own polytunnel. Next year the group hope to create an area for livestock and an outdoor teaching space.

Head of Year 8 Emma Sandbach said: “This is a brilliant project which has captured the imagination of several students. It’s a great way to engage young people in looking after land”.

Headteacher, Manny Botwe, said: “The students working on the project are developing numeracy, literacy as well as leadership skills in a really practical way. They have had to pitch ideas to get funding from the Royal Horticultural Society as well as other local companies. We are really proud of what the students have achieved.”