The Somerset Gardens Trust (SGT) is delighted to announce its latest initiative, which aims to encourage schools across the county to develop or enhance their green spaces. The trust has allocated £10,000 in the last financial year to fund school garden projects, with a focus on supporting initiatives that put pupils at the heart of creating or enhancing these spaces.
Benefits of School Gardens
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- Improved mental health and wellbeing among pupils
- Enhanced social skills and teamwork through collaborative gardening activities
- Development of horticultural skills and knowledge
- Increased sense of community and ownership among pupils and staff
| Initiative | Location | Amount of Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Raised beds | Axbridge | £500 |
| Plant purchases | Yeovil | £300 |
| Tools and storage solutions | Wiveliscombe | £400 |
| Other | Weston-super-Mare | £100 |
Case Study: Cutcombe First School
Cutcombe First School, located at Wheddon Cross on Exmoor, was one of the schools to benefit from the SGT’s funding. The school used its grant to purchase child-sized gardening tools, which helped pupils learn how to grow and care for flowers and vegetables. The experience was said to enhance their social development through teamwork and collaboration, as they worked together to create a thriving garden.
““If the county’s rich heritage of parks, gardens and designed landscapes is to survive, it will need the support and appreciation of the next generation, so it is wonderful to be able to foster this interest through funding school garden projects.”
Diana Hebditch, chairman of the Somerset Gardens Trust, expressed her enthusiasm for the scheme, stating that she was pleased by the level of interest in the grants and expecting a high number of applications before the current round closes on Wednesday, May 14. She emphasized the importance of supporting the next generation in appreciating and protecting the county’s natural heritage.
Eligibility and Application Process
The Somerset Gardens Trust is currently accepting applications for the school garden grants. Schools that meet the eligibility criteria are invited to apply, with applications closing on Wednesday, May 14. The trust is looking for projects that demonstrate a clear commitment to education and community engagement, and that put pupils at the heart of creating or enhancing green spaces.
- Eligible schools must be located in Somerset
- Applications must be submitted by the headteacher or a designated representative
- Projects must demonstrate a clear commitment to education and community engagement
- Projects must put pupils at the heart of creating or enhancing green spaces
More information on the application process and eligibility criteria can be found on the Somerset Gardens Trust website.
Conclusion
The Somerset Gardens Trust’s school garden grants are an excellent opportunity for schools across the county to develop or enhance their green spaces. By supporting initiatives that put pupils at the heart of creating or enhancing these spaces, the trust is helping to foster a love of gardening and a sense of community among young people.
