Freethorpe garden moves into gear

A PUPIL led effort to turn a muddy strip of land at a Freethorpe school into a sensory garden for both body and mind moved up a gear this week.

Youngsters at Freethorpe Community Primary School planted the first few seeds in the 30m-long barren patch that borders their playground, kick-starting the long-planned transformation.

And now, having raised �1500 over the last 18 months with BBQs, discos and various events to fund the garden, those at the school are putting out an appeal for help.

Rachel Read, chairman of the school's PTA committee, emphasised that the idea had come from the children and said: “We are trying to raise �2000 towards a fence which will line the patch, which is essential to protect the area so we can start work on it.

“We would also be very grateful for anything that anyone can spare garden-related, whether it is an old glasshouse or a hose.”

So far, the collected money has been spent on planting, a range of outdoor equipment- including recycled plastic benches- and a nature camera to record wildlife.

And hopes are that by next spring the sensory garden will be alive with flowers of all colours, textures and smells, and vegetables will be grown by children in a neighbouring patch.

Mrs Read, who has two children at the school, added: “It will be an ongoing project and we want an array of leaf plants and Lavenders, and maybe even a venus fly trap.

“We want to establish a gardening club run by the parents and volunteers that operates a couple of days a week.

“We would also like to see the children selling their own produce, and this to become a form of outdoor classroom, which will benefit those children who may not learn as well in a traditional classroom environment.”

So far, plans are to cover the hard, poor quality soil with bark, and use a series of raised beds for planting.

Those who would like help with the project can call Freethorpe Community Primary School on 01493 700215.