At Westfield Primary School in Midsomer Norton, young gardeners have been diving into sustainability, planting the seeds of environmental awareness while getting delightfully muddy. The school’s Garden Club offers children the chance to connect with nature, learn about eco-friendly practices, and develop valuable life skills.
Last September, pupils proudly showcased their home-grown native wildflowers at The Yeo Valley Garden Festival. Selling their plants to visitors and mingling with professional horticulturists gave the kids a glimpse into potential careers in gardening and a whole lot of enjoyment. Isla loved meeting people who admired their work, while Sahath fondly recalled selling flowers, eating ice cream, and even riding a tractor. Millie demonstrated her budding entrepreneurial spirit by convincing customers to let them keep their change.
Recently, the Garden Club welcomed a visitor from the Bristol and Avon Rivers Trust. With guidance from Paige, the children helped install rain gardens designed to capture and filter water from the school’s drainpipes. This hands-on project not only fosters environmental responsibility but also teaches practical solutions for reducing river pollution. From mixing soil to planting and topping beds with gravel mulch, the kids were involved at every step. Niamh appreciates the chance to be outdoors in nature, Iona values the joy of getting muddy, Chloe brings her gardening experience from home, and Alex simply “enjoys all of it.”
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Lead teacher Josephine Ross describes the after-school sessions as both “energising and refreshing,” highlighting the positive impact of spending time outdoors.
Celebrating a decade of growth, the Garden Club has transformed the school grounds with pond-dipping areas, a peaceful courtyard garden, and a barefoot sensory walk—inviting children to explore the natural world with muddy hands and feet, learning lessons they’ll carry with them for life.