Co-op Academy Brownhill is being recognised by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) for their fantastic outdoor garden. 

The space has developed since 2014 from a small plot of land, where children could plant flowers and produce, to now being the heart of the school. During the Covid-19 pandemic, children were able to learn safely in the fresh air within an inspiring setting. 

The benefits of green spaces to improve the mental, physical and social development in early childhood is widely recognised. With the support of RHS and other community groups, the garden has gone from a small project to an integral part of the school. 

RHS is the UK’s leading gardening charity:

“We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place – we are committed to inspiring everyone to grow.”

– The Royal Horticultural Society

Beverley Blanchfield, Headteacher at the school, said:

“Mr Ingle, Head Gardener and Behaviour Lead, has grown with the garden and gone from amatuer to professional. He grows a wide range of produce every year, shared with parents and families. Pupils at the school work with Mr Ingle to grow and maintain the garden.

“As Christmas 2020 approached, we realised that our usual traditions of celebrating indoors would not be possible, but we didn’t want our children and families to miss out. Mr Ingle transformed our Garden into a Winter Wonderland with Christmas lights, decorative growing beds and a grotto themed polytunnel. 

“This was the start of a new tradition at Co-op Academy Brownhill. Children and families are invited into the garden to see the Christmas display and help get them into the Christmas spirit. Year on year the display gets bigger and better and helps keep the garden a welcoming place and a focal part of the school all year round. This year RHS are joining us for our annual Christmas lights switch on!”

Dr Chris Tomlinson, CEO of Co-op Academies Trust, said:

“A huge thank you to Mr Ingle for making such a difference to students and their community. A wonderful project that really brings so much positivity to children in so many ways and really reflects what education is all about.”

Check out more from Brownhill’s 2022 light switch on 👇

https://twitter.com/brownhillleeds/status/1599719081854525440

• https://twitter.com/brownhillleeds/status/1600582361716035588