Children at Furzeham Primary and Nursery School in Brixham, together with Mitch Tonks, have unveiled a brand-new garden and green space thanks to support from the community.
The school, a proud member of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, has named their vibrant outdoor space ‘Station Sanctuary’ in tribute to its location over the historic Brixham train station.
This transformative project was made possible thanks to the generous support of local organisations, 365 Sea Swim Challenge C.I.C and The Cove Discovery Project, along with funding of more than £8,000 from the Devon Environment Foundation. The collective efforts of these organisations are dedicated to fostering green spaces, raising community awareness, and prioritising the care and conservation of marine life.
The grand opening of the 'Station Sanctuary' was made even more special by the presence of Sea Ambassador, Mitch Tonks. As the co-founder of Devon Environment Foundation and its environmental grant, Mitch's dedication to preserving the natural world shone through, further highlighting the relationship between community, sustainability, and education.
Station Sanctuary has revitalised an under-utilised area of land at the school and transformed it into a flourishing garden space complete with an outdoor classroom and planters, providing the children with the opportunity to cultivate their own conservation garden.
This green space will also be an essential tool to support learning across the curriculum, including in science and geography as well as wider topics such as sustainability, encouraging pupils to take on active roles in preserving the environment through hands-on learning. Duncan Kenny & Chris Thomas, founders of The Cove Discovery Project, have also engaged pupils in educational experiences such as field trips to local beaches and creative workshops.
hile the garden's opening marks a significant milestone, there is still a final stage yet to come. The Cove Discovery Project will present further workshops with the pupils and families in the garden, where they will have the opportunity to grow seeds.
As the garden blossoms into a sanctuary for learning and exploration, it stands as a symbol of the collective effort and shared vision of the community, resonating with The Thinking Schools Academy Trust message for World Earth Day next month, "Together, let's nurture and protect our planet for future generations.”
Expressing gratitude for the community support, Debbie Hewitt, Curriculum lead at Furzeham Primary and Nursery School, said: "The completion of this project fills me with immense pride and gratitude. This garden project represents our school's dedication to fostering not only academic excellence but also a profound sense of environmental responsibility within our pupils. I extend my heartfelt thanks to all who have played a part in making this project.”
During the grand opening of the new garden area, a pupil, expressed their excitement, commenting: "I love our new garden! It is so cool to be able to plant things and watch them grow.”
Chris Thomas, Co-Founder of the Cove Discovery Project, who assisted in the concept of the garden commented: "It's incredible to see the community come together to create such a beautiful space for learning and growth. This project embodies our commitment to environmental conservation and community well-being.”
Mitch Tonks shared his enthusiasm for the project, stating: "It's truly inspiring to see the community unite to create this space. This garden will serve as a living classroom, fostering a love for nature and instilling lifelong values of conservation amongst its pupils."
Claire Thompson, Deputy Head Teacher at Furzeham Primary and Nursery School commented: “We are thrilled to unveil the 'Station Sanctuary' as a dynamic extension of our curriculum and heritage at Furzeham Primary and Nursery School. This new garden space not only provides an immersive outdoor learning environment for our students but also honours the rich history of our community.”
