Downing's revamped student garden opens
A newly revamped student garden is now ready for use at College!
The redesigned garden has raised planters, a small greenhouse, a flower bed and a fully equipped toolshed, in addition to a wellbeing garden where students can sit and enjoy the surrounding nature. The garden is at the back of the 50 Lensfield Road property and accessible from the Paddock. It will have plenty of space to grow soft fruits, vegetables, cut flowers and herbs, as well as room for seed propagation.
Regular events will be held in the garden, but it's also available for ad hoc gardening, so no appointments are needed.
The Gardens and Wellbeing teams will use the space to run a monthly gardening club for students. This will include practical sessions on propagation, planting, growing, digging and cutting.
It’s hoped the garden will give Downing students time to enjoy nature, while also helping to support physical health and mental wellbeing.
Rebecca Fensome, Student Wellbeing Advisor, said: “At Downing we work closely with our gardening team to promote and provide opportunities for students to be outdoors and connect with our natural world.
“We know how therapeutically beneficial it is for students to be outdoors and in nature. It supports students with their mental health and shows them really easy ways their can take actions to support their own wellbeing.”
Jack Sharp, Head Gardener, added: “We’ve already seen Downing students enjoy growing fruit, vegetables and flowers. Now, extra growing facilities, including a greenhouse for seedlings, provide everything students need to garden as part of the gardening club, with guided support or independently."
Published 28 October 2024