Growing green futures: school receives £12k boost to transform outdoor area

St Alban’s Catholic Primary School in Wallasey has had its green dreams turned into a reality. The primary school has been awarded a £12,000 grant to cultivate its pupils’ outdoor experiences with the creation of a new, garden space.

The £12,000 contribution was given by the National Education Nature Park Grant with the Royal Horticultural Society. The grant aims to connect children and young people with nature through their educational settings. 

With the grant, St Alban’s has purchased soil, planters, tools, and seeds to make raised beds. They’ve also created seating areas in the school’s outside spaces and its new ‘Laudato Si’ Garden’. The name of the garden takes inspiration from the late Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical that focused on the Catholic Social Teachings of caring for the common home. 

The school is committed to promoting sustainability and further improving the wellbeing of its pupils. It has also invested in two living walls to offset carbon dioxide emissions and support air quality within the area. 

St Alban’s ‘Mini Vinnies’

Pupils from Years 3 to 6 who are members of the school’s ‘Mini Vinnies’ club, have taken an active role in creating their new garden space. Over the past half-term they have planted and nurtured a variety of herbs, plants and sensory-friendly flora.

One pupil said: “Our new garden is good for nature and the animals too. I’ve helped plant the flowers and herbs that we hope to use in school once they’ve grown.”

Another pupil added: “The Laudato Si’ Garden is amazing. I hope that once its fully grown, we will be able to use it for a calm area – it already feels very peaceful.” 

Future plans

The garden is currently aiding St Alban’s pupils’ understanding of the natural world within religious education, science and wellbeing lessons. There are also plans in place to use it as a calming and reflective space for children who may need extra support in regulating their emotions. 

The school hopes that the garden will also have a positive impact on its pupils with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) and social-emotional needs. Pupils will be able to visit the garden during periods of dysregulation, whether it’s to relax or complete some quiet gardening. 

Headteacher of St Alban’s Catholic Primary School, Mr John McDonald, said: “Our Laudato Si’ Garden emerged from a shared vision between school leaders and parish supporters to create a meaningful and peaceful space that connects learning with spirituality, nature and wellbeing. Despite its recent start, the garden has already become a much-loved feature of the school. 

“The response from pupils has been a joy to witness, with many talking proudly about ‘their plants’ as they observe the daily changes that take place. As the garden grows, so does their confidence, teamwork and sense of responsibility.” 

As the ‘Laudato Si’ Garden’ continues to grow, the school has plans to welcome the wider Wallasey community to support its success. A range of events are currently being organised, including gardening sessions with volunteer parishioners and intergenerational gardening mornings. 

Extending learning

Pupils at St Alban’s have also learned about the natural world away from their garden, as hi-impact, delivered an interactive bee workshop to children in Years 1, 2 and 3.  Children were able to explore bee biology and understand bees’ vital role in the ecosystem. They were also able to try honey and smell honeycomb. 

St Alban’s Catholic Primary School is part of the Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust (HFCMAT). HFCMAT is comprised of nine schools, including two secondary and seven primary, across Wirral and Cheshire.

CEO of HFCMAT, Andy Moor, added: “At Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust we encourage all pupils to think responsibly about the world around them. It’s brilliant to witness the pupils of St Alban’s relish in the opportunity to look after and nurture their new Laudato Si’ Garden, and I look forward to seeing how it flourishes in the future.”