During Walton Academy’s community week, an exciting new initiative took root: the kitchen garden project. Utilising a stretch of school ground that runs parallel to the academy’s kitchen, this project was the vision of Mr Hoad, who aimed to focus on sustainability, reducing food miles, and promoting biodiversity. Approximately 30 students from all year groups volunteered to participate, and their dedication led to remarkable progress.
A vision brought to life
Mr Hoad’s dream of creating a kitchen garden as part of community week was driven by a desire to teach students about sustainability and the importance of locally sourced food. The project provided an immersive learning experience, with lessons on plants, horticulture careers, and relevant qualifications. The students’ journey included a visit to Downtown Garden Centre, where they met with staff and discussed various aspects of plant care and garden management.
Rapid progress and expanded scope
Thanks to the students’ effective teamwork, the tasks planned for the entire week were completed in just three days. This efficiency allowed the scope of the project to be extended, giving students additional opportunities to learn and contribute.
Engaging experiences and hands-on learning
Mr Hoad reported overwhelmingly positive feedback from students, who found the experience enriching and confidence-building. Harper, a year 10 student, led the team that built the pond and hibernaculum. Reflecting on his experience, Harper shared, “I really enjoyed being part of the kitchen garden team. I even learned how to make a pond out of a bin!”
Community support and future growth
The project’s success was greatly enhanced by the unwavering support of school governor Karin Hardy, who contacted numerous businesses to gather resources for the initiative. The following businesses made generous contributions that were instrumental in the garden’s transformation:
Vaculug Ltd
Belvoir Fruit Farms
Belvoir Sawmill
EnVar Composting
Thompson and Morgan
Downtown Stores
Wickes
Brewers
Jewson
B&Q
Naturescape Wildflower Farm
Bingham Ground Services
Martin Fish – gardening consultant and media personality
The ongoing project is set to grow further with the donation of fruit trees from Lincolnshire County Council, which will be planted in the autumn. Mr. Grice, the Natural Environment Project Officer, conducted a thorough assessment of the area to plan the tree placements, ensuring a well-organised and sustainable expansion.
Looking Ahead
The kitchen garden project at Walton Academy is more than just a garden—it’s a living classroom and a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and community spirit. We eagerly anticipate the continued growth and development of this space, and the positive impact it will have on our students and school community.
