Pupils at a primary school have turned a curiosity about an unused polytunnel into an award-winning garden that’s brought their local community together.
East Herrington Primary Academy took home the title of Best School Garden in Gentoo’s annual Ready, Set, Grow competition, earning praise for a project that now includes vegetables, fruit, flowers, and a tepee planted with sweet peas which they hope will become a reading den.
The garden began when a group of Year 1 children spotted an unused polytunnel from their classroom.
With support from staff, pupils began by growing sunflowers and quickly took ownership of watering, measuring, and caring for the plants.
East Herrington Primary Academy took home the title of Best School Garden in Gentoo’s annual Ready, Set, Grow competition (Image: Supplied)
Inspired by their enthusiasm, the school launched a gardening club that attracted 20 parents, carers, and grandparents.
Maria Davison, a teacher at East Herrington Primary Academy, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive this award.
“What started as a small project with our Year One class has grown into something much bigger than we ever imagined.
“Much as this is a small gardening club, it has grown in interest, size and we are being asked to do lots of projects.”
“The garden has created opportunities for children and their families to spend quality time together, learn new skills and experience the joy of growing their own plants and food.
“Winning this award will help us continue developing the space and bring our plans for a sensory wellbeing garden to life.”
Gentoo’s judging panel praised the garden’s ambition, creativity and its ability to bring together multiple generations of the local community.
The space now features sunflowers, strawberries, lavender, and tomatoes.
Families also helped create a tepee planted with sweet peas, which they hope will become a reading den.
The school now hopes to transform an overgrown planter at the front of the school and develop a sensory wellbeing garden with reading nooks and quiet spaces.
Chris Roberts, director of customer at Gentoo, said: “We were delighted to award East Herrington Primary Academy with the Best School Garden award this year.
“The judges were incredibly impressed by the school’s vision and the way the project has brought together children, parents, carers and grandparents to create something truly special.
“What began as a simple idea to grow sunflowers has developed into a thriving outdoor space that supports learning, wellbeing and community connection.
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“It is clear how much passion, dedication and teamwork has gone into the garden, making this a very deserving winner.”
East Herrington received £200 in vouchers, a trophy, and a certificate as part of their award.
The Ready, Set, Grow competition celebrates green projects that promote pride in place, learning, wellbeing, and community spirit across Sunderland.
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