School Garden Competition Winners announced

Ripley Town Council Best School Garden Competition 2022🌻 

 

We are thrilled to announce that the winner of this competition is Ripley St Johns CE Primary School! 

 

The Mayor of Ripley Councillor Nigel Weaving, his Consort, Mrs. Weaving and an independent judge, Caroline Pollard visited each school last week. They were impressed with all the schools that entered the competition, however, Ripley St. Johns Primary School scored the highest. 

 

The judges were shown around by a group of enthusiastic pupils. There was a nature trail area with a fire pit, a proposed new pond area, designed by the pupils, willow weavings and plans for more of these in the future. They had a good provision for wildlife on the site, water butts, nest boxes, compost bins, a small allotment area, evidence of recycling, a new pond and peaceful seating areas in the Spiritual Garden. The pride and involvement of the pupils was very evident. 

 

Congratulations to the team at St. John's Primary School. They will receive a £50.00 voucher kindly donated by the Central England Co-op. 

 

Runners up was Waingroves Primary School who will receive a £25.00 Co-op voucher. The judges saw an excellent new wildlife pond area, an outdoor classroom and raised planters of vegetables and fruit at this school. There was evidence of lots of tree planting efforts and plans for owl boxes and bug boxes in the future. The grounds are well used for outdoor activities such as forest schools. Spoil from recent building projects had been imaginatively incorporated into the grounds. 

 

Ripley Infant School came third in the competition. Judges reported that maximum use is being made of their outdoor area. It is being used for forest schools, growing herbs, salads and composting. Pupils are growing sunflowers and vegetables. There is a good range of shrubs and trees and a good-sized grassy area with willow tunnels. 

 

Well done and thank you to everyone that entered this competition!🌻