Community garden at Co-op Academy Friarswood

Volunteers from DHL, led by experienced community gardener Matt Linley-Simon and the school’s Academy Community Pioneer, continued work on the school’s Environmental Garden. Following on from their previous work, the team expanded the garden by adding three new beds and planting strawberries, rhubarb, blackberries and mint, many of which were reclaimed from the school’s grounds.

Jon Harwood, a DHL volunteer, reflected on the hard work. He said: "Ryan, Rob, and myself joined Matt to take advantage of the school holidays to do some maintenance in the community garden. At the end of the session, we left with aching bodies but smiles on our faces, knowing we helped create something that will give pleasure to the pupils."

Matt Linley-Simon added: "DHL has once again helped us continue developing our environment, making it a welcoming space for both the children and the local community."

Clearing garden space at Co-op Academy Brownhill

In July 2024, volunteers, teachers, and parents transformed an overgrown garden at Co-op Academy Brownhill into a vibrant outdoor space. Originally filled with weeds and debris, the garden is now an engaging area where students can learn about nature and environmental stewardship.

Led by Brownhill’s Ian Ingles, the project not only improved the garden’s appearance but also created an outdoor classroom for hands-on learning and a peaceful retreat for students.

Zhainab Talab, Academy Community Pioneer, said: “This garden shows the power of community collaboration. It’s more than just plants; it’s a space that inspires curiosity and belonging.”

Revitalising Co-op Academy New Islington

At Co-op Academy New Islington, volunteers from Co-op Property and Mitie worked on August 20 and 21 to give the academy a fresh start for the new school year. The teams helped to rejuvenate academy spaces, repainting classrooms, a cloakroom and an office, while outdoor structures such as the climbing frame and Wendy house were stained and preserved for future use by students.

The Nest gets a makeover at Co-op Academy Woodlands

On August 12, Co-op Academy Woodlands’ community room, The Nest, received a much-needed makeover thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers. Originally a space in need of TLC, The Nest was transformed into a relaxing and welcoming environment for the school’s families.

Academy Community Pioneer Amanda Herron organised the event, enlisting help from volunteers from Sky as well as Ed Powell, Chair of Governors at Brownhill.

The transformation involved painting and refreshing the room to create a more inviting space.

Ed Powell said: “It’s been fantastic to come into Woodlands and get stuck in. This was a brilliant opportunity to create a great atmosphere vital for schools and communities like Harehills.”

A Sky volunteer added: “It was a pleasure to be involved in a project like this. It’s the small changes that make the biggest difference.”

Amanda Herron expressed her gratitude, saying: “I want to thank all the volunteers for their hard work and for making the day flow with ease. I really appreciate the time and effort to help make The Nest look so much better!”

Eco-Friendly revamp at Co-op Academy Medlock

On August 13, volunteers from Mitie and Co-op Property joined staff at Co-op Academy Medlock to help transform their outdoor space.

Led by Janet Pearson from Mitie and Chris Wood from Co-op Property, the teams cleared overgrown areas, dug out a pond for the academy’s Forest School, and cut back brambles and branches on trees. This work supports the school’s Eco Conference project, which was presented at Angel Square earlier this year.

Zoe Hopkins, the academy’s Eco Lead, praised the volunteers. She said: “It was amazing how much a good team of people achieved in just a few hours. The tasks completed would have taken us weeks to get done.”

The project was part of a larger collaboration with Ardwick Climate Action, a local group closely tied to the academy.

Transforming the Allotment at Co-op Academy Broadhurst

On August 13, Co-op Academy Broadhurst’s overgrown allotment was given some much-needed attention thanks to the efforts of a dedicated team of volunteers from Mitie.

The space, once cluttered with weeds and brambles, was transformed into a functional area ready for students to grow their own produce.

The project, supported by Broadhurst staff, involved clearing a substantial area that had become unmanageable. The Mitie team worked tirelessly through the heat, removing all weeds and brambles, and even dismantling old garden beds to create a clean, open space.

Jo Alderson, Assistant Teacher and Eco Lead at Co-op Academy Broadhurst, praised the volunteers. She said: “The Mitie team were incredibly friendly and unfazed by the daunting task. They went above and beyond, not only clearing the allotment but also removing old beds to give us a clear space for the children. A massive thank you from all at Co-op Academy Broadhurst.”

Eco Warriors garden at Co-op Academy Glebe

Co-op Academy Glebe saw a transformation of its outdoor garden space thanks to volunteers from the local community, Wickes Fenton store, and local businesses Challenge TRG and GXO.

On August 29, 15 volunteers came together to dig, paint, and construct garden essentials such as greenhouses, polytunnels, and a new shed.

The school’s Eco Warriors Club, led by teacher Rachel Kenny, said: "The garden looks fantastic, and the children are going to absolutely love spending time there in the Eco Club," 

Headteacher Kirsty Suleman expressed her gratitude, adding: "We are truly grateful to all the volunteers, for their kind donations and time. Seeing our pupils' faces on the first day back just showed how much they valued it."

Creating a sensory space at Co-op Academy Portland

At Co-op Academy Portland, an unused, overgrown space at the front of the school has begun its transformation into a sensory area for students, thanks to the efforts of volunteers and Co-op colleagues.

The project, led by Academy Community Pioneer Anya Lewis, has seen the space cleared of litter and foliage, and plans are underway to paint fences, add planters with year-round flowers and herbs, and lay down chipping bark for safety.

The goal is to increase biodiversity with pollinator plants and provide a beautiful, engaging space for the school community.

Anya Lewis expressed her gratitude for the volunteers' contributions: “It was great to get to know the volunteers and learn about their roles within the Co-op. Their enthusiasm, creativity, and kindness are much appreciated by the whole school community. We look forward to engaging pupils and families to make this space a vibrant and welcoming place for all.”

Co-op Academy Smithies Moor: Eco Club support

Earlier this month, Co-op Academy Smithies Moor received a generous donation from Co-op Group Heckmondwike Funeralcare. The funds, applied for in July, will support the school’s new Eco Club by purchasing a poly tunnel.

Devon Clegg from Heckmondwike Funeralcare expressed her excitement, saying: “I’m thrilled to start collaborating with Co-op Academy Smithies Moor.”

Regional Community Development Manager Lisa Wilson added: “This partnership will not only benefit students’ education but also support their well-being through active involvement in the Eco Club.”

Liz Garrity, Head of Community Development, said:

"These volunteering projects are a great reflection of the impact we’re having in supporting our academies to collaborate with their communities.

“The positive effects of these initiatives will be felt by students, staff, and local communities long into the future, showcasing how volunteering can transform school environments and build stronger, more connected communities.”