The Outdoor Classroom

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Page created: Jun 9th, 2009 // No Comment

Garden of learning greets the summer

An ‘Outdoor Classroom’ garden was officially opened last weekend at Capel Manor during the College’s summer Open Day. Mayor of Enfield, Eleftherios Savva and the Duke of Devonshire, Patron of Capel Manor College opened the garden. The official opening was opportunity to celebrate a successful collaboration between the children from Churchfield primary school in Edmonton, local guiding brownies and beaver groups, designers of the garden, Juliet Clark and Johnny Wing (both former Capel Manor Garden Design students), and sponsors of the project VolkerHighway/Fitzpatrick Services, the REAM Partnership and the John Laing Charitable Trust.

The space will be welcomed by teachers, and children living in densely populated areas as a source of inspiration. The garden will help children to learn about plants and wild life, science, weather conditions, water conservation, and is also a place for photography and art. Dr Steve Dowbiggin, chief executive at Capel Manor said,
“The garden will encourage all age groups to understand the basic principles of good gardening, sustainability and recycling and there will also be opportunities for school parties to use Capel Manor’s many facilities.”

Enfield Council worked with Capel Manor College to develop this exciting scheme, and Garden Design graduates submitted designs for the new garden. Shortlisted entries were presented to a Project Group along with children on the Churchfield School Council. The wining design created by Juliet Clark of Bourne Gardening and Johnny Wing of Greenwing Garden Services, was felt to most closely interpret the children’s ideas for creating the ideal learning space for children from all over the borough.

Having completed her training in Garden Design and Horticulture at Capel Manor, Juliet Clark has designed for private gardens and sports clubs. Her contribution to the design for the Classroom Garden was inspired by her own children. Johnny Wing undertook training in Garden Design, Horticulture and Landscaping at Capel Manor, and before starting his own business and undertaking his training he spent time as a school gardener, developing a keen sense of what children respond to in a garden.

Cllr Glynis Vince, cabinet member for education, children’s services and youth said,
“Pupils and students from schools across the borough will be able to visit the garden and spend time studying and observing nature. This is an excellent scheme that brings a new dimension to teaching and learning providing a lot of fun at the same time.”

Apart from supporting the project with their expertise and financial donations, sponsors VolkerHighways/Fitzpatrick provided valuable hard landscaping assistance and professional advice on materials and resources, many of which they contributed. REAM donated a remote weather station and bird box web cam, so that schools can get a first hand glimpse of garden activity, and the company will also be helping with the ongoing maintenance so that children can learn about construction and energy management as well. The John Laing Charitable Trust gave a generous financial donation.