In 2007 the National Trust teamed up with Kells Infants school to redesign the school garden. Prior to commencement the garden was a rather uninspiring turfed area.
Staff from the National Trust spent a day discussing designs for the garden with children at the school. As part of the research process, Year 2 visited the coast to explore different habitats and to gain an understanding of what animals need to survive and how this could be used to encourage wildlife into the garden. Plans for areas of planting and seating were discussed and a final design reached to reflect the schools' coastal location.
Year 2 then worked in groups to design bespoke bird boxes which were built by the Trust Warden for inclusion in the garden. Year 1 made birdfeeders to take home to help see the birds through the winter
Ground work began in November, removing turf for planting areas and constructing large wooden planters, which would also provide seating. Swathes of golden stone chippings added colour to the garden and hinted at the shingle shores located not far from the school. Children helped plant bamboo and grasses in the entrance to the garden, so that wind blowing in from the sea would rustle the leaves and create a constant rushing sound like the sea.
Oak seats, carefully crafted by the Warden and his chain saw, were brought from Holme Wood in Loweswater to provide a story-telling and games area.
Each student at the school planted bulbs in plant pots they had decorated to give them a sense of ownership and responsibility in caring for the garden.
In May local Willow artist Phil Bradley visited the school and helped the children to create a willow 'scribble' fence to help disguise the existing security fence and provide a little shelter for the plants to encourage their growth despite the unrelenting sea breeze (which is more frequently a sea gale!)
A meadow area with log piles to attract butterflies and creepy crawlies were added in spring 2009 and hopefully the garden will continue to provide much enjoyment to staff and students alike.
