Schools across Somerset are invited to apply for gardening grants of up to £400 to support pupil-led projects that create or improve green spaces on school grounds.
The Somerset Gardens Trust (SGT), dedicated to promoting education in garden design and preserving historic landscapes throughout the county, allocated £10,000 last year to fund a variety of school garden initiatives. These projects have taken place in communities such as Axbridge, Yeovil, Wiveliscombe, and Weston-super-Mare, with funds being used for raised beds, plants, gardening tools, and storage solutions.
One beneficiary, Cutcombe First School in Wheddon Cross on Exmoor, used its grant to purchase child-sized gardening tools, enabling students to actively learn about growing and caring for flowers and vegetables. The school highlights the project’s positive impact on pupils’ social development through teamwork and collaboration.
READ MORE: Blitz Evacuee Alice Moody, 103, Honoured in VE Day Celebrations
READ MORE: Schoolboy’s Face in Historic V-E Day Photo Captures Community Spirit of Celebration
Diana Hebditch, Chairman of Somerset Gardens Trust, expressed enthusiasm over the strong interest in the grants and anticipates a high volume of applications before the current round closes on Wednesday, May 14.
“To ensure the county’s treasured heritage of parks, gardens, and designed landscapes thrives, it is vital to engage and inspire the next generation,” Diana said. “We’re proud to support schools in fostering this passion through these grants.”
Schools interested in applying or seeking more information are encouraged to contact the Trust at [email protected] or visit their website. For applications missed by the May 14 deadline, further opportunities will be available later in the year, depending on funding.