Supporting student wellbeing through gardening at Sir James Smith’s

Forrabury and Minster Parish Council is delighted to support an initiative that is already making a positive impact on the lives of young people at Sir James Smiths Community School, Camelford. They have embarked on an ambitious garden project designed not only to beautify its outdoor space but, more importantly, to nurture the emotional, social, and practical development of its students. It creates a space where students can learn, grow, and thrive outside of the traditional classroom setting.

The project is a thoughtfully designed environment that supports emotional wellbeing, encourages hands-on learning, and fosters a strong sense of community among students.

• Enhancing mental health and wellbeing: The garden offers a calm, mindful space where students can regulate their emotions, relieve stress, and reconnect with nature.
• Learning by doing: By planting, building, and maintaining the garden, students gain valuable life skills — from teamwork and planning to responsibility and patience.
• An inclusive space for all: The garden has been developed to be accessible and supportive, especially for students who may struggle in conventional classroom settings. It provides a safe space for all to feel included and valued.
• Real progress, real impact: Already, a beautiful pergola has been built, and raised beds are well underway. The transformation is clear — not just in the landscape, but in the attitudes and enthusiasm of the students involved.
• Ownership and growth: Students are taking pride in the garden, learning to care for living things and seeing their hard work come to life — a powerful lesson in responsibility and self-worth.

With financial contributions from local councils and businesses, and continued community support, the school hopes to expand the garden by purchasing plants, seeds, compost, and gardening tools.  They hope to eventually construct a secure shed to store equipment, and purchase materials to build a sheltered seating area, enabling year-round use.

This project is a testament to how outdoor spaces can be used creatively to support mental health, education, and social development – a model the Council is proud to support with a £250 grant.